953 nut 55,166 #1 Posted February 5 Wards/Custom Mfg. Co. Custom Mfg. Corp. began in 1940 located in Shelbyville, Indiana. During World War II, companies capable of manufacturing military equipment were required to support the war effort, which in turn provided finances for Custom Manufacturing to launch its new enterprise. During wartime production, Custom’s management began networking with established companies willing to market their yet-to-be produced tractor. Their agreement allowed the name of the marketing company to be inscribed on the tractor. Following WW2 Custom introduced its first tractor, the Model B. It was extremely similar to the CO-OP B-2. The row-crop tractor was powered by a Chrysler 6-cylinder engine and 5-speed transmission. In the early 1950s, Custom was sold to the Harry A. Lowther Co., Joliet, Illinois. Lowther marketed the tractors through Montgomery Ward & Co., Custom built Wards branded tractors from 1950 to 1952 sold through the Wards catalog. 8 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,726 #2 Posted February 5 Cool, that’s one I haven’t seen or even hear of. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,166 #3 Posted February 5 9 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said: Cool, that’s one I haven’t seen or even hear of. That is what I have found most interesting about researching tractor trivia, you go down a road looking for one thing and discover something unexpected. Then, while looking at the unexpected another obscure item pops up. Many of the lesser known brands have very little information available until you make a connection to another brand that preceded or followed it. Some times an old advertisement is the only thing you can find, but some ads tell the whole story. I'm glad you are enjoying this, I will be covering Oliver in a few days along with many of the more familiar brands. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
