1970 International 656 Hydro Diesel Utility Golden Demonstrator

The International 656 is a mid-size farm tractor built from 1966 to 1973. It’s available with gasoline or diesel engines, producing around 65 PTO horsepower, suitable for loader work, haying, mowing, and light tillage. The utility models have a lower profile design, sturdy chassis, and easy maneuverability. It features a hydro transmission, 540/1000-RPM PTO, reliable hydraulics, and a durable design, making it a versatile and dependable tractor of its era. 

Opportunities like this rarely come along—this International 656 Golden Demonstrator Utility is believed to be one of just 6 to 8 known examples in existence and only one of two with the diesel engine. Factory-equipped with the Hydro transmission and powered by the dependable 282 diesel. Even more impressive, this tractor never had the original gold on the hood repainted red, preserving an important piece of its history. Professionally restored in 2014 with high-quality automotive paint and a chrome grill insert, it presents beautifully with straight sheet metal and only minor blemishes noted. Riding on like-new tires, this ultra-rare 656 Golden Demonstrator Utility is a true collector’s centerpiece and a standout addition to any serious IH collection. 

 This 656 Utility never had the original gold on the hood painted over with red paint. It was originally sold by the IH dealer in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania and it still had the dealer sticker on it. It was found in Minot, North Dakota where it had been sitting in a quonset shed for many years. The transaction was arranged by Clayton Darlage of Seymour, Indiana. It was restored by Josh Olson in 2014 with chrome and/or stainless steel bolts throughout sheet metal, wheels, and fenders. 

The tractor runs, drives, and operates as it should. Machine has an excellent restoration with automotive paints. Tractor has headlights, rear work light, 3 point hitch, PTO, drawbar, 2 remotes, fenders, power adjust rims, power steering, and one set of split rear wheel weights. Sheet metal is straight and, there is a minor paint blemish on both sides of the hood. Front tire size 7.50-16, rear tire size 16.9-30. All tires are like new. We replaced a blown head gasket after the plow video so it no longer smokes as it did in that video. This tractor was on the back cover of Red Power Magazine in the July/August issue of 2014.