390

The story

The 390 belonged to the 300 series, which replaced the 200 series from 1986 and was sold as a world tractor in close to 140 countries. Built at Banner Lane in Coventry, it used a four-cylinder Perkins A4.248 diesel of about 80 hp, with a synchromesh 12-speed gearbox from the 600 series as standard and shuttle and Speedshift splitter options later.

Four-wheel-drive versions engaged the front axle automatically when the brakes were applied. A taller, quieter HiLine cab was available alongside the low-profile LoLine for farms with low buildings.

Simple, reliable and strong for its weight, the 390 and its turbo sister became some of the best-selling Massey Fergusons in Britain and Ireland in the late 1980s and 1990s.