ART-TRACTOR-PROJECT

The Story of the World’s Most Charitable Tractor

If everyone were willing to help one another,
everyone would be helped.

(Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach 1830–1916)
Austrian Cancer Aid Salzburg

ART-TRACTOR-PROJECT

“This Porsche Junior was never just a tractor—it became a symbol of courage, hope, and gratitude.”

Johannes Habich
Idea Finder & Tractor Owner
Angelo Makula
Artist & Tractor Builder

The Gem

A single-cylinder Porsche Junior tractor, built in 1960.

The Fire

The Gem burned, and with it the entire garage.

The Ruins of the Fire

All that remained was a “tractor wreck.”

The Work of Art

But the “tractor wreck” became a work of art.

The Story

This Porsche Junior single-cylinder tractor is far more than just a vintage vehicle—it is a symbol of hope, gratitude, and destiny.

Johannes Habich received it as a token of gratitude from a Viennese family after he had gone out of his way to help their son Clemens during his serious battle with cancer.
The tractor had already survived a difficult ordeal: when the family’s leased farmhouse on the Carinthian side of the Pack burned to the ground, the Porsche Junior—of all things—was the only thing left standing.
Despite a survival rate of only ten percent, Clemens beat cancer and went on to become one of Austria’s most successful track cyclists.

He won a total of 19 Austrian championship titles.
Johannes Habich restored the tractor with great passion and turned it into a well-known eye-catcher on Carinthia’s roads.
But fate struck again.

On August 20, 2017, a short circuit caused by a marten and the resulting fire completely destroyed the garage and the beloved Porsche Junior.

This marked the end of the eventful history of an extraordinary vehicle that was linked to fire twice—first as a survivor, and ultimately as a victim.

A tractor with a story that goes far beyond technology.

The Idea

An extraordinary vision emerged from the charred ruins of a tractor: Johannes Habich wanted to transform the tractor into a work of art that would make a positive difference. Together with visual artist Angelo Makula, the Art-Tractor-Project was brought to life.

The design was intended to artistically unite the three defining elements of the story—martens, fire, and chemotherapy. Makula first restored the tractor in his studio on the Saualpe, deliberately preserving the traces of the fire. The final detailing and assembly took place at Makerspace Carinthia, part of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce in Klagenfurt.

“Some vehicles are restored. Others make history.”

Photo Story

The Art-Tractor Becomes a Fundraiser

The Art-Tractor has a special mission: it’s hitting the road as a mobile fundraiser.

Austrian Cancer Aid was deliberately chosen as a partner to support people who need help due to cancer.

Companies, event organizers, associations, social clubs, and organizations can incorporate the Art-Tractor-Project into their events and work together to raise funds for Austrian Cancer Aid.

Visitors not only experience an extraordinary work of art but can also make a valuable contribution right on the spot using the built-in donation box.

Art moves people—and helps.

Important:

Coordination for this initiative is handled directly by Johannes Habich:

Phone: +43 664 440 41 41
E-mail: joha@johanneshabich.com
Austrian Cancer Aid Salzburg
Austrian Cancer Aid, together with its regional organizations, has always had one goal: to provide free, local support to cancer patients and their families.

In addition to the physical strain, cancer patients are often confronted with enormous social, psychological, and financial challenges. As a cancer support organization, we serve as a lifeline for those affected during this difficult time.

That is why we are delighted that the “Art-Tractor-Project,” through its fundraising campaigns, is helping to secure our future work.

Mag. Martina Löwe, Managing Director, Austrian Cancer Aid
Information

INFORMATION

We provide information on cancer prevention and early detection, as well as on specific types of cancer and treatments.

Beratung und Hilfe

COUNSELING & SUPPORT

We’re here for you! Take advantage of our comprehensive counseling and support services for patients and their families.

Forschung

RESEARCH

We support projects, studies, and research whose findings benefit all Austrians.

For donor number, please indicate ATP.
Thank you in advance!
A social project by Johannes and Edith Habich, along with Maximilian, Lucas, Nina, and Clemens; their grandchildren Emelie, Kiana, and Anton; and anyone else who may join them in the future.

ANGELO MAKULA

I didn’t have to think twice when my friend Johannes Habich asked me if I’d like to be part of an extraordinary art project to benefit cancer support. The idea of transforming a burned-out tractor into a unique work of art—and at the same time supporting people facing difficult life situations—immediately inspired me.

It fills me with great joy and pride to have contributed my creativity to this special project. Art can inspire, give hope, and bring people together—that’s exactly what makes this project so valuable.

Dear Friends!

It is my heartfelt wish that you will support the Art-Tractor-Project and help spread its message as widely as possible. Only together can we help the many people affected by cancer.

Almost all of us have already been confronted with this disease, either directly or indirectly. This makes it all the more important to show solidarity. Every single euro that benefits Austrian Cancer Aid gives hope, provides support, and can make a valuable contribution.

Thank you for being part of this initiative. Together, we can make a big difference.
Johannes Habich
Johannes Habich:
“Strength lies in calmness.” As I was thinking about it, an idea came to me: I acquired the Porsche tractor because of a fire, but at the same time, I also lost it because of a fire. “Since it no longer runs,” I thought to myself, “it should help others in the future and not have burned for nothing.”

In Closing

I dedicate this labor of love to my friend and Clemens Selzer’s father, Mr. Karl W. Selzer, who lost his battle with cancer in 2022.

For many years, I’ve been guided by a motto that is more relevant today than ever:

“Live for today.”

With this in mind, I ask you from the bottom of my heart: Please support the Art-Tractor-Project to the best of your ability. Tell others about it, share the idea, and help ensure that this unique art project reaches as many people as possible. Every contribution and every referral brings us closer to our shared goal: to give hope and to support Austrian Cancer Aid.

Sincerely
Johannes Habich
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