Cheffins’ Cambridge Vintage Sale at Sutton, near Ely on 24th October 2020 will showcase a number of the world’s most unusual classic and vintage tractors, alongside vintage motorbikes, classic commercial vehicles, classic cars, petroliana and collector’s items, at Europe’s largest auction of its type.
The item with the highest estimate on offer on the day is a model 6ins scale Burrell Steam Wagon which is expected to generate between £65,000 - £80,000. This unique wagon is a totally accurate half-size replica of Burrell 3793, and was built to Burrell works drawings by master model engineer, Roy Butcher or Lakenheath, Suffolk, over a ten-year period.
Amongst the 150 tractors on offer, there is a scarce model of a Weeks-Dungey Patent ‘Simplex’ early tractor which dates back to 1915. The tractor was built by Hugh Percival Dungey from Cranbrook in Kent with the aim to use it in small fields and between narrow rows of fruit and hop plants. There are few of these machines still in existence, with this model being of historical significance. It has an estimate of £35,000 - £45,000. Also on offer is a 1941 Roadless Standard N crawler tractor. This tractor was previously owned by Sir Richard Fairey, a British aviation pioneer/manufacturer of military planes during WWII. Mr Fairey bought the tractor directly from the Ministry of Defence for his estate in Stockbridge, Hampshire. The Roadless N still has its original identification and the war department’s registration number. It has an estimate of £15,000 - £16,000. Amongst the newer classics, the highlight is a 1985 Mercedes MB Trac 1000 tractor which has been cosmetically restored and has 8,350 hours on the clock. It comes with its V5 and is expected to achieve £25,000 - £28,000.
Amongst the classic motorbikes, a 1982 864cc Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica which was imported from Holland in 2011 has an estimate of £18,000 - £19,000. It is currently owned by an ex-classic Ducati racer, has been a prize winner at several local shows and is offered in an original condition. Amongst the more vintage motorbikes, a 1948 500cc Manx Norton is being sold by a well-known Norton collector has an estimate of £15,000 - £20,000. For purchasers looking for something more unusual, a horse-drawn canvas barrel top Romany wagon, circa 1912, is offered with an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000. It comes with a pull-out bed, Queenie stove, period crockery and a set of lamps.
The petroliana section is dominated by a series of lots from the personal collection of world-renowned automobilia collector Stewart Imber of Goodwood Revival and set and prop hire company, Themed Garages. Having featured previously on Channel 4, Quest TV and having been used to dress sets at Goodwood Revival since 2005, previous lots offered from this collection have caught the eye of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Available in the October sale are a series of enamel and illuminated signs, petrol pumps, forecourt maps, promotional flags, posters and various other paraphernalia, with the lot carrying the highest estimate being £4,500 - £5,500.
Bill King, Chairman, Cheffins says: “We will be glad to welcome live bidding back to the Vintage sale for the tractors and vehicles and will be following strict social distancing guidelines, ensuring we keep all of our staff and customers safe. Whilst the July sale saw some fantastic prices paid for items on offer online, there is nothing like the buzz of a live auction and we are looking forward to seeing some of our regulars back at the saleground. We know that appetite for vintage and classic tractors continues to be buoyant and we have some particularly good examples from different eras on offer at the sale with both fully restored, show-ready examples and also those looking for restoration work. The Mercedes MB Trac will certainly turn heads, particularly among the newer classic enthusiasts and we expect this to achieve a good price, especially seeing as a similar example in the July sale was sold for over £70,000. Petroliana items from Stewart Imber and other sources continue to achieve growing prices as they peak the interest of both private buyers and dealers and this section always creates a colourful and interesting spectacle on the day. Similarly, the market for vintage motorbikes is alive and well and we expect this section of the sale to generate interest from buyers from the UK and further afield.”
The sale will allow traditional live bidding for tractors, vehicles and motorcycles, with other parts of the sale being offered as a timed online auction.
The Cheffins July Vintage Sale grossed £850,000.
The sale will take place on the 24th October, at Cheffins Machinery Sale Ground, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QT. For more information please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.