2019 has been an amazing year for vintage & classic tractors sales and Cheffins has been very privileged to put some of the very finest examples under the hammer, writes Cheffins director Oliver Godfrey.
Market trends continue in the same vein, with buyers focusing more on ultra-original examples or tractors restored to a very high standard and diesel power still the preferred choice. Although early veteran tractors have seen increased levels of interest with some very rare examples offered and achieving very impressive results.
The ascent of classic tractor prices in recent years has certainly been compounded by some of the results in 2019. The year started with a very genuine 1968 Doe 130, which was owned previously by its inventor George Pryor, and went on to sell for £74,550 in the April Cambridge Vintage.
The year was to be bookended in the classic world by the sensational 1982 County 1884, selling for a record £139,920. Vintage and veteran tractors were not to be overshadowed with a 1919 Overtime Model N making £36,040 and a much desired 1917 International Mogul 10-20 with great history realising £47,700.
All these results were, of course, eclipsed by the 1903 Ivel Agricultural Motor which is arguably the rarest tractor to ever come to the market in the UK. After months of speculation as to the final price, the tractor was to go on to surpass everyone’s wildest thoughts and sell for another record price of £328,600.
Private collections faired very well in 2019 with some enviable machines coming to the market and many records broken throughout the year. Cheffins conducted auctions from Devon to Suffolk and Berkshire to Lincolnshire, proving that auction remains the best method of disposal for impressive collections such as these.
Who could forget the 1934 Marshall 18/30 hammering down for £53,550, the immaculate 1996 Case IH 1455XL making £56,175, a well presented 1980 County 1474 topping £76,650, a 1936 Ferguson Brown Type A hitting £18,375 and a well restored 1974 County 1004 selling for £26,500.
Perhaps the most encouraging results from all of our sales in 2019 has been the continued levels of interest in the vintage and classic collecting movement. The levels of attendance at our sales has been phenomenal and the amount of new registered buyers continues to increase considerably.
2020 looks to be another exciting year with two very interesting onsite auctions already in the calendar. We will be conducting a sale in Devon on 16th May, which includes a good selection of vintage and classic tractors and crawlers, along with vehicles and motorcycles. The second is a fantastic collection in Northern Ireland on 13th June and includes over 55 vintage and classic tractors including Doe, Roadless, County, Massey Ferguson, International and David Brown, all of which are of a very high standard.
There are also more in the pipeline as well as three collective sales at Sutton near Ely and one at Harrogate. For more information on these sales please contact one of our dedicated team on 01353 777767 (opt. 2) or email the Vintage team.