1957 Allis-Chalmers B-1. Howard Thomas, Hagerstown, Md. This was the first garden tractor built by Allis-Chalmers, and, with a mower deck, cost $565 new. Thomas also has the last A-C garden tractor, a 1981 Model 916, and one each of four of the seven series in between. His first job out of high school was with a local A-C dealer, and he has remained a fan of the brand ever since.