The highlight of Cheffins July Vintage and Classic sale was a John Deere 4755, first registered in 1993, which went for £42,930.

There is often some confusion over this model as its exhaust was modified in 1992 and it was sold as the 4760 in the United States. Yet it remained under the original model number here in Europe for another couple of years.

Cheffins described this example as being very original with low hours. It eventually went to a new home in Lincolnshire after a bout of spirited bidding. Altogether, over 1,300 lots of vintage and classic tractors, along with motorcycles and cars went under the hammer on July 24. The sale grossed over £750,000 in total.

Countys are not the only Ford

There were 110 classic and vintage tractors on offer on the day. The second highest price was made by a 1982 Ford TW-30 which sold for £37,100. Muir Hill, that other great convertor of Ford six-cylinder skid units, was represented by a clean looking 121 which fetched £33,920.
Muir Hill 121 at Cheffins
Muir hills were dual purpose machines, designed for both construction and agriculture
These were dual purpose machines, equally at home on major construction sites or the farm. Yet they were never quite as popular in the field as Countys, despite having equal sized wheels. The 1985 International 1455XL, highlighted by Agriland before the sale, made a very respectable £32,330.
International 1455XL in good condition
Internationals are deservedly gaining in popularity
These tractors are growing in popularity as they are now more generally being recognised as excellent workhorses and a match for anything the competition could offer.

Cheffins cheered by solid prices

Jeremy Curzon from Cheffins machinery department is of much the same mind:
The results of this sale go to show that collectors are still seeking out well-restored and low-houred examples of classic tractors from the 1970s onwards."
With the high prices presently being paid for certain makes, collectors are expanding their horizons and are looking at other machines from this era of EEC largesse.

The 70s was a period of rapid increase in horse power, a response to accelerating farm amalgamation, helped in no small way, by the healthy grain prices of the time.

Tractor sales were healthy in the UK and often it was a question of having to join the queue when trying to order popular models. Many of these machines were later exported, especially to Ireland, where they continued to serve for years. Curzon added that:
Whilst there is clear demand for these newer machines, the earlier tractors from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s also achieved strong prices, selling to collectors from across the UK and overseas."
The next vintage sale will take place on October 23, at Cheffins Machinery Sale Ground, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QT.