It was not until 1917 that Ford produced its first successful tractor, the Fordson Model F, an immensely influential design that remains the world’s best-selling tractor, with three-quarters of a million produced up to 1928.

Production-line methods pioneered on the ubiquitous Model T enabled Ford to offer the Fordson F at a knocked-down price, forcing many smaller specialist tractor firms out of business.

The company’s first significant introduction after WW2 was the Fordson Major E1, which debuted at the 1951 Smithfield Show.

A full-size tractor, the Major was augmented in 1957 by an all-new smaller model – the Dexta.

Intended to compete with the Massey Ferguson 35, the Dexta was powered by a 30.5hp three-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine that was reliable, economical and a willing starter in cold weather, unlike many of its rivals.

The Major/Dexta range of tractors was the last to bear the Fordson brand name and the last to be produced at Dagenham prior to the opening of F...