Ian O'Rourke Memories of a Tractor Man

Front Cover

I am pleased to announce that former Ford Tractor Operations, National Service Manager, Ian O’Rourke has completed writing his memoir and I am pleased to say it's a bloody great read. Following his life as a kid growing up on a soldier settlement block in South Western, New South Wales he could never imagined where life would take him. Still sharp as a tack, Ian who will be 90 next year, will readily admit that his computer skills are limited persisted with writing stories from his larger than life past. A task that has taken over twelve months, a huge accomplishment for anyone.

Beginning with childhood memories and his early working life, Ian offers the reader an insight into inner sanctum of the operation of the Ford Motor Company’s Australian tractor division. Of interest to tractor people is the stories about his team’s input into model development with both the USA and European design teams.

Ian and Gwennie O'Rourke on their
wedding day with friend and
colleague Noel Howard

In telling the story of the tractor that should have never been, Ford Australia’s 8401, Ian lets us know about the tensions that existed within the upper echelon of Ford management and how one man almost caused a clean out of the Australian Management team.

Ian in his memorabilia corner
signing a copy of his book

Told with laconic Aussie humour and candour Ian’s story will keep the reader entertained to the very end