Then in 2008 Ben Lewis discovered and copied an old photograph of Don with his grandfather Jack at the old man's clearing sale in March 1952 at Isleworth, Mid Canterbury. The Bulldog topped the sale list.
That tractor had to be out there somewhere, Don knew.
Before long it was discovered in a machinery shed belonging to Ian Sadler (pictured below right sitting on the tractor on Rural News' Nov 1 front page). Ian had run the machine for about 50 years then sent it into retirement.
Lewis told Don and he just had to buy it.
The 1938 Model L, 25hp, 6-speed machine was bought in 1939 by Jack Robertson from the original owner John Grigg, of Longbeach. Grigg had found it too small for his work and sold it.
In Jack's care the Bulldog spent much of its working life pulling a Reid & Gray 2-furrow plough in Canterbury.
The tractor is now in original condition and even has its original starting lamp.
Don's father Ian had been summoned home by Jack to learn about the tractor and drive it. He said he preferred it to walking behind the exhaust of a horse.
