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Restored Versatile Becomes Showroom Centerpiece
Fifty-six-year-old tractors typically occupy a stall at a salvage yard or are hidden from view at the rear of farmyards. However, the Little Morden Service (LMS) in Steinbach, Manitoba, is a notable exception, as its showroom features a 1967 Versatile 145 tractor for all to see.
Original owner and local farmer,
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Restored Versatile Becomes Showroom Centerpiece
Fifty-six-year-old tractors typically occupy a stall at a salvage yard or are hidden from view at the rear of farmyards. However, the Little Morden Service (LMS) in Steinbach, Manitoba, is a notable exception, as its showroom features a 1967 Versatile 145 tractor for all to see.
Original owner and local farmer, Bill Ransom, purchased the tractor and used it on his farm for years. Five years ago, it was sold to a nearby farmer who traded it to LMS.
“One day, our salesman came to me and asked if I wanted a 145 Versatile,” says LMS co-owner Abe Penner. “At first, I wasn’t sure, but since our operation has a long history with Versatile, I thought if we could have an old 145 in our showroom with the legacy it brought to our business, it would be pretty cool.”
Upon arrival, it was clear the tractor needed restoration to bring it up to showroom standards. Local farmer and restorer Dennis Friesen was tasked with reestablishing the tractor’s previous state of glory.
Although it was built new without a cab, an aftermarket cab had been added later. When this was destroyed in an accident, a second was bought from a wrecker and installed.
Friesen upgraded all the upholstery and removed a bi-cooler air conditioning unit. He sandblasted out the rusted areas, welded in sheet metal replacements, and removed the tires from the rims. Surprisingly, the original drivetrain, engine and transmission were in good shape. About 190 hrs. were spent on the restoration project.
“They did a fantastic job,” Penner says. “It draws a lot of attention when people see it parked in our showroom, and it’s become a real conversation starter. People come from quite a way, especially to see it.”
The Versatile 145 spends its time at LMS, but Penner plans to enter it in local parades this summer. The Versatile company is also celebrating an anniversary in 2026, so LMS will be doing something special for the occasion with the rare tractor.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Little Morden Service Ag Equipment, 24078 PTH 3, Stanley, Manitoba, Canada R6P 0A9 (ph 204-325-9027 or toll-free 888-599-8884; abep@lmsag.ca; www.lmsag.ca).
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