Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet Tractor Remains Prized Collectible

Patriotic bicentennial model draws collectors to Forsyth County farm

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A North Carolina farm is home to a rare and highly collectible Cub Cadet tractor produced in 1976 to commemorate the nation's bicentennial. The Spirit of '76 model, with its cream-colored fiberglass hood and red, white and blue striping, is a prized piece in the family's extensive tractor collection at Windmill Acres.

Why it matters

The limited production of only 3,500 Spirit of '76 Cub Cadets has made the model a sought-after collectible among enthusiasts. The patriotic tractor represents an important piece of American agricultural history and nostalgia from the nation's bicentennial celebrations.

The details

Collector Wesley Fishel has been building the family's tractor collection at Windmill Acres since childhood. The Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet is a standout piece, with its distinctive patriotic colors and design. Fishel says the tractors are more than just machines - they are reminders of the past that have only grown more valuable over time.

  • In 1976, International Harvester produced the special-edition Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet tractor.
  • The Farm Toy Show at Windmill Acres Farm will be held this weekend, featuring the rare bicentennial tractor.

The players

Wesley Fishel

A tractor collector who has been building the family's collection at Windmill Acres since childhood.

International Harvester

The company that produced the limited-edition Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet tractor in 1976 to commemorate the nation's bicentennial.

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What they’re saying

“Tractors are more than machines. For collector Wesley Fishel, they are pieces of American history.”

— Wesley Fishel, Tractor Collector (myfox8.com)

What’s next

The Farm Toy Show at Windmill Acres Farm, featuring the rare Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet tractor, will be held this weekend on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A pedal tractor pull is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

The Spirit of '76 Cub Cadet tractor is a unique and highly collectible piece of American agricultural history, representing the nation's bicentennial celebrations. Its limited production and patriotic design have made it a prized possession for tractor enthusiasts, showcasing the enduring appeal of vintage farm equipment and the importance of preserving these pieces of the past.