Used County 1474 sells for £196,000 in ‘spectacular’ auction

A second-hand 1983 County 1474 tractor with an estimated sale price of £60,000-£70,000 has sold for £196,000 at a major farm auction in Essex.

More than 90 classic and vintage tractors owned by well-known collectors Ian and Martin Liddell were up for sale at Shrubbs Farm, Sheering, on Saturday 3 July, and it was the blue 1474 bought by a UK-based buyer that stole the show.

The Liddell family bought the 1474 second hand in 1993 from a farm in north Ockendon, Upminster. The tractor has only done about 100 hours in the past 25 years.

See also: Rising confidence sees tractor sales hit 10-year peak

The 1474 cost £20,597 new in 1983 and this “short nose” version was developed by the original firm of County Commercial Cars, based at Fleet in Hampshire.

News of the sale price attracted a good deal of comment on social media. 

“How much?” asked Essex-based Will Wilson of Ark Agriculture.

How much? pic.twitter.com/Yskv1sXOx7

— Will Wilson (@willwilson100) July 3, 2021

“Word on the street is that MF135’s are heading the same way – as it happens I have a 1969 vintage beauty available for £100k (no vat),” mused Powys-based dairy nutritionist Hefin Richards.

Record breaker

Auctioneers Cheffins did not disclose how much the Shrubbs Farm collection made in total, but said it was a record-breaking auction. There was a large number of spares and implements also on sale.

Cheffins director Oliver Godfrey said: “What unfolded was nothing short of spectacular.

“The Liddell family had been collecting for more than 35 years and had quietly put together one of the most genuine and original collections of Ford and Ford conversion tractors – including Doe, County and Roadless – in the country. 

“With collectors and enthusiasts emerging from the darkness of various lockdowns and armed with fresh enthusiasm and cash, they were eager to feed their passion for all things classic and vintage.”

Mr Godfrey said there were bidders from all over the country, as well as Europe and the US.

“A huge, enthusiastic crowd, along with hundreds of registered bidders, had assembled at 9am on the morning of the sale and the prices and amount of bidding was incredible and consistent throughout the day.

“Collections of this calibre are becoming rarer and rarer and, with the prices achieved, shows the sheer enthusiasm and passion for the collecting scene has not abated, even with recent events,” Mr Godfrey said.