Massey tractor in Eicher colours

Dutch Massey Ferguson dealer Veldman recently delivered a new 6S.145 disguised as an Eicher 3145. Finished with corresponding red rims, the tractor is even equipped with Eicher logos.The custom paint job was done for a Dutch customer, and while it may a bit strange to paint a new Massey Ferguson tractor in Eicher blue, the two tractor manufacturers had close ties a few decades ago.Massey acquired a 30% stake in Eicher when the two companies formed a partnership in 1970, in a deal where Massey supplied engines and gearboxes to Eicher, and Eicher supplied Massey Ferguson with narrow-track tractors and some heavier models.Massey quickly upped its stake to 49.7%, and by 1973 the company owned more than half of Eicher. These shares were sold to Indian company Goodearth in 1982.