The imminent dispersal of one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage tractors and equipment is creating widespread interest among vintage enthusiasts.
David and Joyce Symington from St Andrews have been collecting, restoring and displaying tractors, implements, engines and associated memorabilia for more than 40 years, but they are about to watch 1,800 lots go under the hammer.
The bulk of the Symingtons’ collection is to be sold by timed electronic auction by Pentland Livestock during August and September, with the first sale – comprising models and memorabilia – beginning on Monday and running for a week.
That will be followed by a second auction of literature and spares.
The highlight of the dispersal – the auction of tractors and implements – will begin on August 31 and close on September 7.
Case tractors feature strongly in the sale, which includes most of the brand’s models up until the 1950s.
The eldest dates to 1915 and there is an example of the first Case to arrive in the UK to take part in the Scottish tractor trials of 1917. There are also Ferguson, Massey Harris and Massey Ferguson tractors up for auction, including a Ferguson Brown and a Ferguson and MF 135.
Fordson tractors include N and E27N models and a Pattison groundworks machine based on a Model T used at RAF Leuchars to cut grass.
There is an Allis Chalmers B, a Series 1 Field Marshall and Fowler and Track Marshall crawlers.
Implements include rare Case ploughs and there are spares and tractor service and parts books for many makes.
Commercial vehicles include a Highwayman and a genuine living caravan from the travelling fairground era.
Stationary engines include a full range of John Deere engines from 1.5 hp to 6hp, a Bamford engine and a turnip cutter.
Covid-19 rules are in place for viewing and details of the models can be found at pentlandlivestock.co.uk