About 170 people registered their interest in the auction of vintage Massey Ferguson tractors and farm implements. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Pieces from Peter Cameron’s collection of Massey Ferguson tractor and accessories went for almost double what was expected at an auction which had buyers from as far away as Scotland.
Cameron amassed the collection of about 14 vintage tractors and more than 70 farm implements over 30 years, only choosing to give it up due to his ill health.
Mike Perry from Wakefield Auctions Greytown said it was an “extremely successful” event, with about 170 people registering for the auction.
“It was well advertised which brought people in from other areas,” he said, adding that bidders came from as far away as Scotland and Australia and from around New Zealand.
“They were prepared to buy and probably thought that New Zealand was going to be where they got a bargain.”
However, the big-ticket items were all bought by local buyers.
“The major items stayed in Wairarapa,” Perry said.
This included a roller originally from the Masterton Borough Council which sold for $14,500 and a trailer which went for $11,000.
Other items also sold for more than expected – some originally marked from $80 to $150 sold for more than $1000.
“At the end of the day, good things get good prices.”
It took about three hours for the 120 or so lots to sell.
Perry said tractor buyers were a breed of their own.
“I’ve done quite a few auctions, including motor vehicle and tractor collections, though not like this.”
“Peter will be pretty happy.”
Cameron was indeed impressed with the turnout.
“I thought there would be a big crowd, but I had no way of knowing,” he said.
He said it all happened so quickly and there wasn’t time to feel sad about saying goodbye to his collection, though he was pleased that many of the bigger items would remain here.
“They’re just going up the road a way.”
Cameron also expressed his thanks to those who had helped organise the auction, particularly those from the Wairarapa Vintage Machinery Club.
