The market for vintage tractors and machinery is “still alive and kicking”, with discerning buyers looking for “something a bit special”.
That is according to Bill King, chairman at Cheffins, who reported that prices achieved at its most recent vintage sale on Friday, July 21st, 2023, and Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, for later classics prove that there is “a very active market” for these types of tractors.
Over 1,400 lots of classic tractors, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, and collectors’ items came under the hammer at the firm’s sale ground at Sutton, near Ely in the UK.
It is understood that this was one of the largest auctions in the vintage calendar in Europe, and “high” prices were recorded across all sections.
Highlights among the vintage and classic tractors and implements included a 2007 New Holland T6070 which sold for £53,000, followed by a Saunderson tractor & implement co two-furrow ride-on tractor plough which achieved £34,720 when it was snapped up by a local East Anglian collector.
This was followed by a 1949 Field Marshall Series II Contractors tractor which changed hands for £24,120, against an estimate of £10,000 – £12,000 and a Marshall Model M tractor, which made £21,654, against an estimate of £15,000 – £18,000 and sold to a buyer from Leicestershire.
Commercial vehicles
Among the commercial vehicles, a 1942 ERF C15 drop side lorry achieved £17,152 and a 1922 Ford Model T Wireless Repair van, consigned from Suffolk made £14,472.
Other more unusual consignments included a fairground galloper carousel model which sold for £10,080 Automobilia items were also sought after, with a rare 1950s Raleigh illuminated dealer sign selling for £952 and a host of petroliana items, including petrol pump globes, air meters, oil cans and enamel and illuminated signs all achieving “strong” prices.
King comments
King added that its mid-summer offering is usually smaller than the spring and autumn sales, but with over 170 vintage and classic tractors and some 70 motorcycles, this sale “surpassed expectations”.
He reported that there was “much” pre-sale interest with a good selection of both Vintage, classic and modern classic tractors on offer.
“Despite the rain there was an excellent crowd with buyers in attendance from throughout Europe, and while the cost-of-living crisis rages on, there is still a robust market for vintage items, with tractors and motorbikes seeing particularly healthy prices.”
“Collectors continue to flock to Cheffins as the market-leading auctioneer for vintage collectors’ pieces and big-ticket items.”
“We are looking forward to presenting another wide-ranging catalogue for the Harrogate collective auction in August, and here at Sutton in October,” King concluded.
