Summary

Sun hat used to promote the launch of the Ursus tractor by Massey Ferguson in the mid-1980s. The hat was given to Ken Porter, Transport Manager, when the Ursus tractors were first released onto the Australian market. The Ursus was built in a Poland plant by Massey Ferguson (UK). It was developed to offer a range of small and cheaper tractors to compete with the European market. The Ursus tractors were fitted with the popular Perkins deisel engines and built to Massey Ferguson standards. The Ursus was well received by the market.

The Ursus were launched at a major event at Moonee Valley Racecourse where dealers from all over Australia were in attendance, and the full range of Massey Ferguson agricultural equipment were on display. This launch included the dramatic, correographed movements of machinery, an air display and pyrotechnics. This event was broadcast around the world and featured the international spread of the Massey Ferguson company. A woman walked in front of each machine as it entered the arena holding a flag of origin - it was noted that the Ursus did not have the Polish flag to accompany its entrance.

This is part of the McKay Sunshine Collection which includes photographs, archives, films, artefacts, trade literature, company publications and oral histories.

Physical Description

White cotton sun hat with narrow brim. 'URSUS' printed in blue on both sides. Two metal holes for ventilation.

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