The collection that will be on sale this Saturday, 21st June, on the family farm in Wenhaston, near Halesworth, was amassed by the late Roger Desborough, a well-known vintage tractor and machinery enthusiast.

Among the collection is a 1917 Holt 75, which is one of only four examples known to exist in the UK. This iconic tractor was feted in both the UK and America and was in production from 1914 until 1924, mainly supplying the British, French, Russian and US armies during the First World War, mostly as gun tractors hauling heavy howitzers and also as prime movers for supply trains.

The current example available was originally part of the famous Heidrick Tractor Collection, which today forms the nucleus of the California Agriculture Museum. It was purchased by Roger Desborough from the Cheffins Cambridge vintage sale in October 2016 and carries a presale estimate of £50,000 and £60,000.

Another highlight of the sale is a 1919 Overtime Model N, which has an estimate of £35,000 and £45,000. The Model N was first conceived in 1918 in America, and more than 4,000 examples were imported to the UK from 1918 until 1923.

This example is believed to be one of the oldest in existence in the country. Also, among the rare tractors is a 1917 Rumely Oil Pull 20-40, with an estimate of £20,000 and £30,000; a 1919 Saunderson model G with an estimate of £40,000 and £50,000; a 1919 International Titan 10-20, which is set to sell for £15,000 to £20,000; and a 1963 Doe Triple D Tandem tractor which carries an estimate of £40,000 and £50,000.

Alongside the tractors on offer, there is a series of machinery and implements for sale and a decommissioned howitzer artillery field gun.

‘Most historically significant collection’

Oliver Godfrey, head of machinery department at Cheffins, comments: “Roger Desborough was a legend on the vintage tractor circuit. His collection is known as one of the most historically significant in the country, and this sale represents an incredible opportunity to acquire some genuinely important tractors which formed the basis of modern-day machinery and farming.

“Many have incredible provenance, having been purchased by Roger from some of the other leading collectors both in the US and the UK.

“We expect this sale to draw significant interest from buyers both in the UK but also across the pond, as it features some of the most significant tractors built in US engineering history, such as the Holt and the Rumely Oil Pull.

While Roger had a keen eye for rarity and history and purchased a series of high value machines, he also was not averse to collecting some of the more popular classics, and there are a series of Massey Ferguson and Fordson examples also for sale in excellent condition.”

The sale will take place at Church Farm, Wenhaston, Halesworth, Suffolk, on Saturday 21st June 2025 from 11am. There will be a viewing day on Friday 20th June 2025 from 10am to 4pm.

To view the catalogue, please click here. For further information contact the Cheffins Machinery department on 01353 777767 or at machinery@cheffins.co.uk

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Each machine has been lovingly restored and maintained, showcasing some of the most iconic British and continental tractor makes, from the classic Fergusons and Fords to the Fordson Roadless and Fordson Patterson.  

Lifelong showgoer Steve Rodd has been attending the Bath & West Show since his childhood and began exhibiting vintage tractors at just 14 years old. This year, he is presenting his restored 1955 Deutz tractor. 

He said: “I’ve been part of the show for around 35 years now, and it’s always exciting to come back; I’m really looking forward to it again this year.”  

This year’s line-up promises a unique look at mechanical history, with contributions from the Ferguson Club and the South Somerset Preservation Club, both bringing along a selection of vintage machinery. 

“It’s important that we keep heritage alive,” Mr Rodd added. “By keeping vintage tractors moving and having a presence at shows, it’s showing people what history we have and should be protecting for future generations.  

“Vintage tractors can do everything modern tractors do, just on a smaller scale. 

“Take a Ferguson with a two-furrow plough, it can achieve the same results as today’s rotary ploughs, just at a slower pace and with a bit more character.” 

READ MORE: Royal Bath & West Show returns with three days of fun-filled activities

Discover history behind vintage tractors

The oldest moving tractor at this year’s show is a classic Oliver, which has been in the same family since it was collected in 1942.  

Mr Rodd explained: “The current exhibitor’s father collected it brand new from Castle Cary train station when it was delivered from Scotland. Based in Gillingham, Somerset, it’s still running strong today.” 

Visitors can also explore stationary vintage tractors, where the oldest on display is a 1923 Frank Hardtop, offering a true glimpse into the early days of agricultural machinery. 

“I really encourage everyone to come and have a chat with me and the other exhibitors at the show. 

“It’s a great opportunity to learn about these incredible machines and the history behind them,” Mr Rodd concluded. 

Vintage Tractor Parades will take place on each day of the show, and a dedicated vintage tractor ring will feature live demonstrations too.  

The Royal Bath & West Show will be held between 29th and 31st May. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.bathandwest.com. 

READ MORE: Celeb chefs cook up a treat at Royal Bath & West Show

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The event formed part of the Group’s ambitious £150,000 fundraising target for the charity, which is the focus of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025. 

Set at Norfolk’s scenic countryside, the event attracted motoring enthusiasts from across the region, combining the charm of vintage and classic vehicles with a spirit of community and charitable giving.  

Participants followed a carefully planned route, solving a series of clues that tested both navigation and deduction skills while enjoying a relaxed and engaging day out. 

Among the standout vehicles taking part were a 1970s Aston Martin V8 Vantage and a Vauxhall Insignia proudly wrapped in Dementia UK branding.  

The event concluded with prizes awarded for “Best Turned Out Car” and for the team solving the most clues, with hampers generously donated by Goodies Food Hall of Pulham St Mary and Bakers & Larners of Holt. 

In memory of Peggy and John Thurlow

The organiser said that the event was made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of the local community, participants and sponsors, including CHS Alarms, Auto Trader, East Bilney Coachworks Repair Centre, Mattressman, Off Piste Agri, Bentwaters Park, Nick Brown Transport, A Plummer Building Contractors, Euro Car Parts, G W Topham & Son, and Duckworth Motor Group. 

This treasure hunt is one of many events planned by the Thurlow Nunn Group in support of Dementia UK. The Group, which was established in 1875 in Stowmarket, Suffolk, remains a family-owned and managed business now led by the sixth generation.

The anniversary fundraising effort is held in memory of its late chairman, John Thurlow and his wife Peggy Thurlow, both of whom passed away last year. 

James Thurlow said: “Father was a dedicated and well-known figure in the East Anglian farming community; he was so proud of our family business, and he would have loved being part of our celebrations.   

“Dementia is a cruel disease, which has a devastating effect on sufferers and their families. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to raise money to help support others affected by the disease.” 

Support the fundraising here. 

READ MORE: Thurlow Nunn Standen announced death of its former chairman John Thurlow  

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Farming and machinery enthusiasts had a chance to admire the vintage tractors as they drove along the 29-mile route through Suffolk villages, including Elmswell, Wetherden, Haughley and Woolpit, concluding the run at the Food Museum in Stowmarket.

The organisers explained that the event was first held in 1985 and was founded by Ashley Godsall & Robert Coles.

The rules were simple: it must be held on Easter Sunday in a different county each year, and it must raise money for local charities.

The vintage tractor run has been raising funds for SARS999 and St. Nicholas Hospice in Bury St. Edmunds.

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Cheffins confirmed that, with one of the biggest entries seen for the past decade, the sale will take place on the 25th and 26th April and will offer over 400 vintage and classic tractors, making this the largest auction of its type.

The highest value lots on offer are the two steam wagons, with a 1928 Foden D Type estimated to sell for between £230,000 and £250,000 and a 1928 Sentinel Super, which is set to make between £130,000 and £150,000.

In addition, a half-size model of a 5nhp Foster Traction Engine named ‘The Little Gem,’ has an estimate of £35,000 and £40,000.

Among the tractors on offer, there is a 1982 County 774. This fully restored machine is estimated to sell for over £60,000, while a County 1004 Super-Six tractor with a 1950s Morewear 10-ton gooseneck trailer has an estimate of over £50,000.

Among the earlier tractors, there is a 1919 Mogul 10-20 which has been in the same family for over 40 years and is estimated to achieve between £50,000 and £60,000, and a Doe Triple-D has an estimate of £40,000 and £50,000.

‘One of largest entries to date’

The cars and vehicles are also set to draw large crowds. A 2016 Subaru WRX STi, which only has 124 miles on the clock, is expected to make between £20,000 and £25,000, while a 1988 BMW 318i in original condition could achieve £4,000 and £6,000.

For commercial enthusiasts, a 1985 Mercedes-Benz Unimog with only 18,000 miles on the clock has an estimate of £20,000 and £22,000.

For collectors, a remarkable archive containing original photographs and correspondence relating to the Ivel tractor and its inventor, Dan Albone, has an estimate of over £5,000.

There is also a strong selection of motorbikes, with a couple of highlights being a 1915 BSA Model H Combination which is set to sell for £10,000 to £12,000 and a 1963 Norton café racer which has an estimate of £6,000 and £7,000.

Tom Godsmark, director of Cheffins, said: “This is going to be a massive sale, and it’s got one of the largest entries we have seen to date. The April Vintage Sale really kicks off the vintage calendar for collectors worldwide, and this incredible catalogue will get the market off to a flying start for 2025.

“The County tractors will definitely create a lot of interest, and this continues to be the sector of the market which sees the highest prices, following the sale of the County 1474, which achieved over £200,000 a couple of years ago. The steam wagons are also always popular due to their rarity, and these two on offer are both fantastic examples.

“One of the more unusual offerings is the Ivel archive, which is the most important tractor-related archive to ever come to auction and gives a fascinating insight into one of the earliest and most famous tractors to have been built in Britain. The archive has drawn interest from various museums and institutions nationwide, as well as among private collectors and tractor enthusiasts.”

The sale will take place on Friday 25th April (live and online auction for literature, models, bygones, etc) and live on Saturday 26th April (tractors, motorcycles, automobilia, vehicles, implements, etc) at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT.

For more information, please visit Cheffins website or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.

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The toy, which came in its traditional pale blue colour with red wheels, its original box and wind-up key, as well as the original 1953 receipt from Whitaker & Co, Ford dealers in Scarborough, was sold for £500. 

A limited-edition Red Kite by renowned Cumbrian master sculptor and designer, Ray Ayres, who began working with and helped found Border Fine Arts in the early 1970s and reckons he has created circa 1,000 meticulously researched figurines depicting country life, was sold for £170.  

The CCM Skipton sale has a few more creations by Mr Ayres, including a Golden Eagle, which was sold for £65.  

A limited edition Highland Challenge figurine featuring two fighting stags by another well-known Border Fine Arts Scottish artist, Mairi Laing Hunt, went under the hammer at £125, followed at £100 for Massey Ferguson 35X tractor, with £60 selling prices achieved for three further Border Fine Arts pieces, 1996 Robin and Blue Tit sets by Russell Willis, plus an Otter and Fish.  

Among the lots on offer were also bird and nature pieces, as well as train sets.  

Farm-related items on sale

The CCM team said that the business remains one of the few UK auction centres concentrating on specialist Border Fine Arts and Beswick sales, farm-related items in particular, with the remit now expanded to include vintage Britains Farm Toys, Europe’s oldest specialist in agricultural toys and collectables, plus other household names such as Corgi and Matchbox, again primarily farm-related lots, plus china, model railways and diecast models.  

The next sale of Border Fine Arts, Beswick will take place on Saturday, 10th May, with entries closing on 11th April. The event will be followed by the annual Christmas fixture scheduled for Saturday, 13th December. 

The 2024 festive sale attracted a bumper 284 pieces and a top price of £2,000 for the rare and limited edition Border Fine Arts ‘Standing Firm (red)’ depicting a Kerry Hill ewe, twin lambs, and a red and white border collie. 

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The tractor, which was purchased by Cheffins in June 2024 from an onsite auction that the firm hosted in Lincolnshire for Dave and Pete Ingalls, has been fully restored by Youngs Agricultural Services in Stretham, near Ely, and could raise up to £20,000 when it is auctioned this coming October. 

The Cheffins Charity Tractor will be on the road at a host of events throughout the UK over the coming months, including The National Tractor Run in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on the 20th April, The Suffolk Show on the 29th and 30th May, Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in Yorkshire on 7th June, the Thurlow Nunn Standen anniversary road run in Suffolk on the 8th June and the Saffron Walden Carnival procession on the 5th July.  

The tractor will also attend other events, which will be announced during the year. 

READ MORE: Vintage auction sells over £2.4 million worth of vehicles  

‘Icon among vintage tractor circles’ 

The Fordson range was extended in early 1962 with the introduction of the Super Dexta. This new model was announced at the Smithfield show in November 1961 but did not go into production until the following April.  

The revised nose-cone on the Super Dexta was the result of changes to the cowling to accommodate a larger radiator. This Deluxe model has a ‘live’ power take-off, hydraulics and a pick-up hitch.  

1963 saw the launch of the ‘New Performance’ tractors, the ultimate and final development of the Fordson range. Modifications introduced with the new range saw the Super Dexta fitted with an up-rated P4696 Minimec pump which boosted the power to 44.5hp.  

Oliver Godfrey, director and head of the Cheffins Machinery Division, said: “One of the most sought-after collectors’ machines, the Fordson Super Dexta is somewhat of an icon among vintage tractor circles.  

“After an extensive restoration by Youngs Agricultural Services, it is now resplendent in its orange and blue livery, which fits perfectly with the Cheffinsbrand.  

“We are delighted to announce that the entirety of the proceeds for the sale will be going direct to the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust and are pleased to be able to support this important charity, which carries out such vital work.  

“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to come and see the Cheffins Charity Tractor in all its glory at the various events throughout the year and look forward to it going under the hammer in October.” 

The tractor will be sold as part of the Cheffins Vintage Sale on 18th October, hosted at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground at Sutton in Cambridgeshire. 

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Anna Griffiths has been visiting various farming events and tractor runs to raise funds for Dementia UK.

She set up her goal at £10,000, which has almost been achieved.

Ms Griffiths previously told Farmers Guide: “I’ve been brought up with farming and went through farming college. All my friends are doing farming, and I eventually got my first tractor three years ago, a 1957 Fordson Dexta.”

The woman said that when she began to restore the machine, she thought: ‘Why not do something good with it?’.

“I started thinking outside the box and came up with an idea to fundraise for a charity that is close to my heart.

“I ended up choosing Dementia UK mainly because my granddad had dementia, and my nan recently passed away with dementia.”

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More dementia research needed

Ms Griffiths has been undergoing dementia care training to help people suffering with the condition. She also helps her partner at their arable and livestock farm.

She added: “I hope my initiative inspires the younger generation, and especially girls, to make their dreams come true and not to be afraid to go tinker with machines.

“What is also important, I’d like to shine more light on dementia, as there is not as much support in this section. We need to get more research and make it easier for people to understand the disease.

“I think nowadays more people are being affected by dementia, so they are more likely to support this cause as everybody knows somebody who suffers from it,” she concluded.

Support the fundraising here.

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An auction of vintage farm machinery in Newquay saw buyers travel from as far away as Warwickshire and the Republic of Ireland to bid on 500 available lots.

The sale fetched more than £100,000 according to auctioneers HJ Pugh and Co. 

A 1919 Austin tractor was one of the top items and went for £17,000, while a Fordson tractor went for £11,000, according to BBC news.

Meanwhile a cider mill and stone was sold for £2,300 and a corn mill fetched £1,950.

Other items available included pitchforks and scythes.

The Dairyland agricultural attraction, which included a museum, closed in November after nearly 50 years due to lasting financial difficulties caused by covid and increased costs.

Local farmers have rented the buildings including the café and farm shop, and the 200 farm animals have found new homes, BBC News reported.

READ MORE: MB-Trac sold for over £94k at final vintage auction of 2024
READ MORE: Newark Vintage Tractor Show marks 75 years of John Deere diesel engines

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Thoresby Estate, located in the heart of Sherwood Forest, welcomed around 250 competitors who showed off their skills. 
  
The supreme champion over the weekend was judged to be James Witty from Malton, North Yorkshire, who ploughed with a Ford tractor and Kverneland plough.   

Mr Witty, an ex-world and British champion, was also crowned the British conventional ploughing champion, winning the final with 300 points, just six points ahead of runner-up and the 2023 champion, Ashley Boyles from Lincolnshire. 
  
The British Reversible Plough-Off Final was won by Ian Brewer from Wadebridge, Cornwall, using a combination of Case IH/Kverneland, with 361 points.   

He had a good lead over the runner-up, Mick Chappell from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, who finished with 335 points.   

Mr Witty and Mr Brewer will go on to represent England in the 2025 World Ploughing Contest in the Czech Republic. 

Mick Chappell and third-placed Will Tupper from Pulborough, West Sussex, will represent England in the 2025 European Reversible Ploughing Championships that will be held at Retford, Nottinghamshire, on 1st and 2nd March 2025. 

Vintage plough

In the four Vintage Plough-Off Finals, the winners will qualify to represent England in the 2025 European Vintage Ploughing Championships, again to be held in Nottinghamshire in March 2025. 
  
The Vintage Trailed Plough-Off Final was won by John Crowder from Sturton-by-Stow, Lincolnshire, using his Fordson N and Ransome RLSD Major plough, with 278 points. Mr Crowder is the present European vintage champion, having won his title in the Republic of Ireland in September.   

In second place, just seven points behind was another ex-European champion, John Milnes from Penistone, South Yorkshire, using a Massey Ferguson 35 and Ransome RSLD plough. 
It was a repeat result from the previous year in the Vintage Hydraulic Plough-Off Final, won once again by reigning champion, Richard Ingram from Atherstone, Warwickshire, using a Massey Ferguson 35 and Ransome TS54 plough who had 290 points and a massive lead over runner-up, Ian Berriman from Driffield, East Yorkshire, who scored 255 points with the same tractor and plough combination. 

Jon Cole from Whitchurch, near Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, won the classic title for the second year running, with 272 points, ploughing with his Nuffield 10/42 and Ransome TS86 plough.   

Mr Cole is one of the most photographed ploughmen, as he has a ‘seat’ on the tractor mudguard for his spaniel, Rosie.   

Runner-up was David Thomlinson from Escrick, North Yorkshire, who ploughed with a Ford 3000 and Ransome TS86 and finished with 261 points. 

A Massey Ferguson 65 and Ransome TS82 plough won the Classic Reversible Final for Graham Sutton from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, with 295 points, 10 points ahead of Steven Watkins from Maltby, South Yorkshire, with his Massey Ferguson 35 and Ransome TS82.   
 
The other main titles over the weekend were the overall horse ploughing champion, won by Martin Kerswell from Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and his magnificent Percherons, Pierre, and Gringo; the overall uoung farmers champion, which was taken by 22-year-old Will Marshall from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, who was ploughing in the conventional class and the high cut ploughing champion, won by Shaun Garrod from Attleborough, Norfolk.  

Event well-supported by people from throughout the contry

Sue Frith, chief executive of the Society of Ploughmen, who organised the championships, said: “The championships are really well-supported by people from throughout the country and our volunteers worked hard to put on a fantastic event this year. It was a great site provided by Thoresby Farming, and it was a pleasure to be invited to their beautiful estate”.  

The main sponsors of the event were Bridgestone/Firestone and further support was given by AR Demolition, Cheffins, Dales Agri Sales Agency, Aztec Oils, B&B Tractors, HME, Homefire, JCB Agriculture, Northfield Fencing and Ripon Farm Services. Full results can be found on here. 
  
Next year’s event, the 74th British National Ploughing Championships, will be held on 11th and 12th October 2025 at Allesley, near Coventry, in West Midlands, by kind permission of the Brandreth Family and the Sir Thomas White Trust. 

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