A collection of exceptional vintage tractors is being sold for a Devon dealer.
More than 60 classic tractors handpicked by well-known enthusiast and machinery dealer, Rodney Cowle, will go under the hammer in Winkleigh later this month.
Rodney is known for his "fantastic eye" and many of the classics have been sourced through Europe and the USA.
Oliver Godfrey, is head of the machinery department at Cheffins, which is hosting the sale.
He said: "Rodney Cowle has a fantastic eye for original classic tractors, and this sale includes quality and sharp examples throughout the catalogue.
"Many of these tractors have been handpicked by Rodney from the UK, Europe and the USA, where some of these classics have seen minimal wear and tear and can be found in the most original condition.
"Rodney has particularly sourced these tractors from southern France and Italy, where they have been used lightly.
"These tractors have weathered extremely well and haven’t seen the hard-working hours which many in the UK have experienced.
"Some are offered in original condition whereas others have been tweaked and refurbished by Rodney and are now set to sell well."
Highlights of the sale include a 1989 Ford TW35 2-wd, with only 1500 hours on the clock at an estimate of £25,000 - £30,000 which was sourced from the US, a fine selection of Super Q cabbed 10-series Fords and a 1970s County 1164 which has been fully restored and has an estimate of £25,000 - £35,000.
A Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee which has been restored has an estimate of £35,000 - £40,000 and there is also a rare Massey Ferguson 4880 from 1985 which has an estimate of £25,000 - £30,000.
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Reflecting on the current farm machinery market, Oliver is expecting a strong sale: "This sale is a great opportunity for collectors of modern classics, with tons of excellent Ford variants, including County and Roadless, and a selection of Massey Ferguson examples, John Deeres, a MB Trac and also a number of ploughs and spares.
"The market for modern classics continues unabated, with price rises year on year for the best in class of examples.
"With Rodney’s talent at spotting a great tractor, this auction is set to be one of the most highly anticipated vintage sales of the year.”
Cheffins sold the first part of the Rodney Cowle collection in May 2019 at which more than 40 tractors were offered. including Ford and Ford-based derivatives.
This second sale will take place on Saturday, May 28 at Great Punchardon Farm, Winkleigh, Devon, EX19 8DJ.
There is an opportunity to view the machinery on Friday, May 27.
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