1971 Case 1070 Black Knight Demonstrator

Looking back into history, all tractor manufacturers had big hoopla introductions. J.I. Case was no exception and one of their biggest was, “Intro 70,” the introduction of the 70 Series tractors for … drumroll please… 1970. Intro 70 happened in August of 1969 at the former Bong Air Force Base (named for legendary WWII/ Korea fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient Richard Bong) north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Among the tractors introduced were the 1070 series, an evolution and update of the somewhat problematic 1030.

The 70 Series ushered in a great deal of hoopla for Case, among them final drive improvements and slick new cabs. The cab was isolated on rubbers, had a cab air  filtration system and a built-in ROPS frame. The final drive selection included an improved version of the previous 8-speed unit and a 12-speed power-shift unit. Other features included a single shaft, dual speed PTO, power brakes and steering.

The engine was basically the same direct injected 451 cubic inch six that had been introduced in 1969, but it was up in power from the previous 1030 model.

The 1970 Golden Opportunity

With the 1970 hoopla came a new sales program called the Golden Opportunity. Case styled special demonstrators to help sell the new 70 Series. Officially called Golden Demonstrators, they featured special black and gold paint accents and “Demonstrator” on the cab above the doors, if it was ordered with a cab (most did). In addition, they were optimally tuned to provide the best possible performance. Over the years a myth has emerged that the tractors were super tuned at the factory to make more power. Case historians in the know dispute that, saying they were merely optimally weighted, broken in (reportedly for 25-50 hours on a dyno), properly adjusted, and used the exact right tires to show off the tractor in the best light.

Potentially, any 770-1470 Case 70 Series was available as a Gold Demonstrator but each dealer was given an opportunity to provide input on which model tractor demonstrators would be best for their area. Often, the demonstrator was left with a farmer to try out for a few days. At the end of the sales year, after they had acquired a minimum of about 200 hours, they would be sold to a customer. It’s said each dealer was required to have one but reportedly some got several. Some sources list the production of 1970 Golden Demonstrators of all types was 550 units.

1971 Demonstrator

The 1970 program had been very successful so it was continued into 1971 with a couple of alterations. In ‘70, the cabs were left Desert Sunset but for ‘71, they were painted satin black. As a result, these Demonstrators got the semi-official  “Black Knight” moniker. The program was similar but reliable sources say compact tractors and even certain lawn tractors could also be ordered as Black Knights. The Black Knights were sold into 1972 with as many as 2,500 built.

70 Series and 1070 Evolution

The 70 Series underwent an evolution for 1974, but it was primarily. Case found the market better in the larger sizes, so discontinued the 770 and 870 models. Bear in mind that by this time Tenneco had acquired control of J.I. Case and had also acquired David Brown of England. David Brown filled in the line from the smaller end and the American made tractors held up the bigger end. For 1974, it was decided to homogenize the line by blending the Case and David Brown colors. Replacing the Desert Sunset color was the David brown white, henceforth called Power White. David Browns had their bellies painted a dark blue-gray, but a shade of red similar to the Case Flambeau Red was used on both brands and called Power Red. The black stripes were continued, though modified. New models were added to the big end of the lineup during this period as well.

The 1070 had a burly big brother, the 1090. It was essentially a heavy-duty 1070 designed for rice farming in the south. It had the same engine and power output but Case added a stronger differential, a more burly drawbar and hitch, stronger front axle and a few more improvement. Those improvement also formed the core of the  new turbocharged 1170 model with 20 more horsepower and a outboard planetary gears on the final drive.

The Flambeau Read/ Desert Sunset 1070 was built from the 1970 model year through 1973, after which it was built in Power White and Power Red through 1977, It was replaced by the similar 2090 late in 1978. Total production of 1070 from ‘69-78 was almost 22,000 units, about 65 percent of them built in the Power White/Power Red era. Many tractor fans think this era is one of Case’s best.

Specifications

1971 Case 1070 Black Knight Demonstrator

Engine: 6-cyl, DI Case D451
Displacement: 451 ci
Bore & Stroke: 4.375 x 5.00 in.
Rated PTO Power: 108 hp @ 2100 rpm
Rated Drawbar Power: 90.77 hp @ 2100 rpm
Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
Transmission: 8-speed (4×2)
Weight: 8,240 lbs. (bare)
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.
Tires: Front: 11.00-16
Rear: 20.8-38
Fuel Consumption: 7.1 GPH @ full power
Drawbar Pull: 13,116 lbs. w/max ballast
Top Speed: 15.8 mph as Rated by Nebraska Tractor Test 1067

SOURCE

Rietzel Tractor

www.reitzelagequipment.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the history behind the Case 1070 IH Demonstrator “Black Knight” Magnum?

With the 1970 hoopla came a new sales program called the Golden Opportunity. But let’s take a trip back even further to the year 1969, when the JI Case Corporation introduced their special line of 70 Series tractors. These were no ordinary machines; they were painted a stunning matte black with gold accents and earned the memorable name “Black Knights.” The purpose of these tractors was to showcase the immense power and unparalleled comfort the 70 Series had to offer, capturing the attention of farmers and enthusiasts alike.

The Golden Opportunity and Black Knight Evolution

In 1970, Case styled special demonstrators to help sell the new 70 Series. Officially called Golden Demonstrators, these tractors featured special black and gold paint accents and the word “Demonstrator” on the cab above the doors, if ordered with a cab (most did). They were optimally tuned to provide the best possible performance. Contrary to myths of factory super-tuning for extra power, knowledgeable Case historians clarify that these tractors were optimally weighted, broken in for 25-50 hours on a dyno, properly adjusted, and fitted with the perfect tires to highlight their capabilities.

Key Features and Dealer Input

• Cat II Hitch: At the working end, these tractors boasted a Cat II hitch, dual-speed PTO, and the Casesignature rear-mounted tank.
• Innovative Design: Case was a pioneer in installing tanks at the rear, adding weight over the tractor tires. They were among the first to use poly fuel tanks instead of steel.

Potentially, any 770-1470 Case 70 Series could be a Gold Demonstrator. Dealers had the opportunity to suggest which model would best suit their area. Often, these demonstrators were left with farmers to try for a few days. By the end of the sales year, after accruing at least 200 hours, they were sold. It’s noted that each dealer was required to have one, but some received several, with production reaching about 550 units in 1970.

The program’s success led to its continuation in 1971, with a few alterations. Initially, the cabs were left Desert Sunset, but in ’71, they were painted satin black, earning the semi-official “Black Knight” moniker. This program expanded to include compact tractors and even certain lawn tractors. The Black Knights continued to be sold into 1972, with as many as 2,500 units built.

Thus, from their inception in 1969 through their evolution and expansion in the early ’70s, the Black KnightMagnums remain a testament to innovation and strategic marketing in agricultural machinery history.

What was distinctive about their appearance?

The tractors featured a distinctive matte black paint with gold accents.

What was the purpose of these tractors?

They were designed to demonstrate the power and comfort of the 70 Series tractors.

Which company was responsible for releasing the Black Knight tractors?

The JI Case Corporation was the company behind their release.

What year were the Black Knight tractors released?

They were introduced in 1969.