The iconic British-built Field Marshall tractors have a history that goes back to the 1840s when William Marshall bought an old engineering works in Gainsborough, England. Marshall named the site the Britannia Ironworks and began producing road-going steam engines. When his two sons joined the business, the company became known as Marshall, Sons & Co., and they became famous for producing steam-powered traction engines and threshing machines. The company began dabbling with the internal combustion engine as early as 1908, but their first successful tractor, the Marshall 15/30, was produced in 1930. The 15/30 was a diesel-powered 2-stroke single-cylinder tractor, and was heavily influenced by the German-made Lanz Bulldog. The 15/30 was followed by the 18/30 in 1932 and, in 1935, the 12/20 was introduced. An improved version of the 12/20, named the Model M, was introduced in 1938 and it continued to be produced until 1945.
Due to the fact that the company dedicated its resources towards the war effort during the period of 1939 to 1945, not many tractors were produced, and ideas for improved designs were put on the back burner. However, as soon as World War II ended, Marshall introduced its new and improved tractor, the Field Marshall, the first of which is now known as the Series 1. The Series 1 offered 38hp and featured a new stylish design of tinwork in
