One of the UK’s most important collections of classic Ford and Fordson tractors is expected to generate in excess of £500,000 when it goes under the hammer on Saturday May 12. Owned by well-known enthusiast Paul Cable, the collection comprises of 38 restored classic tractors (mainly dating back to the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s), implements and spares amassed over 14 years.
One of the star attractions will be the County 1474 Longnose which has a pre-sale estimate in the region of £60,000 to £70,000, and Mr Cable’s Doe Triple-D is expected to command a similar price. Uncommon Fordson County derivatives such as the Super-4, Super-6 and a 1957 Four Drive will also go under the hammer. His Ford FW60 is expected to make between £20,000 – £25,000, whilst a low-houred 1979 County 1174 which operated at Stansted Airport has an estimate of £20,000 – £25,000. A restored 1956 Land Rover Series 1 will also be auctioned.
East Anglian-based auctioneer Cheffins, which is selling the tractors on behalf of Mr Cable, reckons it is one of the finest collections of Ford and Fordson variants in the UK and the most significant on-site sales for machinery of this type to have hit the market for many years. “The level of interest we have had for this sale has been exceptional and we are expecting it to be incredibly busy on the day,” comments Cheffins director Oliver Godfrey.
Paul Cable was at one time one of the largest agricultural contractors in Hertfordshire, and after retiring in 2003 he continued to farm 150 acres but devoted much of his time to his passion for collecting classic tractors. There will be a viewing opportunity on Friday May 11 at Colesdale Farm near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.
