1970 International 544 Hydro Diesel Utility Golden Demonstrator

The International 544 is a compact utility tractor produced from 1968 to 1973. Powered by a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder diesel engine producing around 44 PTO horsepower, it delivers strong torque and reliable performance for loader work, mowing, haying, and general farm chores. Its low-profile utility design provides excellent stability and maneuverability, making it well-suited for livestock operations and smaller farms. The 544 was available with a hydro transmission, 540-RPM PTO, and dependable hydraulics, making it known for reliability, ease of use, and versatility on smaller farms. 

This International 544 Utility Golden Demonstrator is an exceptionally rare collector’s tractor—one of only seven known to exist. Remarkably, the original gold paint on the hood was never covered, preserving its authentic Golden Demonstrator status. Professionally restored in 2012, it boasts straight sheet metal, a fresh repaint, and meticulous attention to detail. With excellent Firestone tires and collector-quality restoration, this 544 Golden Demonstrator is a rare opportunity to own a truly historic and show-ready IH tractor.  

This tractor never had the gold on the hood painted over with red paint. It was originally sold in West Virginia and used on a farm by an IH dealer. Later it was purchased by Clayton Darlage of Seymour, Indiana. Then the Van Wyhes purchased the tractor from Clayton in June of 2012 and it runs perfectly, it was restored by Danny Anderson in 2012 with chrome and/or stainless steel bolts throughout the sheet metal, wheels, and fenders.  

Tractor runs and drives as it should and shown in the video. Tractor is equipped with a drawbar, three point system, 540 PTO with proper shield, one hydraulic remote, fenders, lights, hazard, spin out rear wheels, a set of rear wheel weights, front mounted suitcase weight bracket, chrome exhaust, chrome grille insert, chrome throttle and shifter levers, and seat cushions. Tractor has been nicely repainted and sheet metal is straight.  Rear tires are 14.9-28 Firestones on “spin out” rims and front tires are 7.50-16 Firestones. Tires are in excellent condition.  This tractor was on the back cover of Red Power magazine in July/August 2014.