Cheffins vintage sale promises something for all budgets

RARE AND HISTORIC MACHINERY ON OFFER AT JULY VINTAGE SALE

Cheffins’ Cambridge Vintage Sale at Sutton, near Ely on the 21^st July 2018 will showcase a number of classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and steam engines, all available to purchase at auction. Cheffins is Europe’s leading auctioneer of vintage machinery and this sale will bring a series of historic collectors’ items to the open market.

One of the highest-value lots on offer is a 1927 Chevrolet Charabanc, or early form of bus, which dates back to 1927. It has been in the same family since the 1960s and has been used for weddings and rallies. It has an estimate of £20,000 – £23,000. There is also a rare 1919 Schneider-Scemia lorry which was discovered in Northern France in 1984. It has been fully-restored by the current owner and is to be offered without reserve.

Also included in the sale are 16 classic and vintage motorcycles. Of this section, a 1940 490cc Norton motorbike is set to be popular. Having been left in an Essex garden for over 50 years, it has been renovated and rebuilt over an 18 month period. The bike is of the age of perhaps have been at Dunkirk as the frame number relates to a batch of 4,000 machines which were built for the military during WWII. It has an estimate of £6,500 – £7,500 and would be a perfect opportunity for those looking for a classic motorcycle for use at military days or the 75^th anniversary of D-Day next year. Also on offer is a rare 1924 247cc JES Model 2 motorcycle which has been extensively restored and is possibly one of the only surviving examples of this model. It has an estimate of £4,000 – £5,000. This section of the sale also includes a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle finished in red, cream and white which has an estimate of circa £10,000.

Of the over 50 vintage and classic tractors on offer, the lots set to generate the most interest are a 1930’s Marshall Model M and a 1971 County 7600, both of which carry estimate of £17,000 – £20,000 and £15,000 – £18,000 respectively. Other tractors on offer include both restored and ‘barn find’ condition examples, with models including David Brown, Fordson, Allis Chalmers, Lamborghini and Ferguson, dating from the 1920’s to the 1970’s.

For steam enthusiasts there is a half size model of a 5nhp Foster Traction Engine, ‘The Little Gem.’ Built in the 1970’s, the model is one of the very early examples of recreations in this scale, based on the 1933 5nhp Foster single cylinder traction engine. The ‘Little Gem’ has been used regularly by Levens Hall historic house and gardens in the Lake District for giving rides around the estate. It has an estimate of circa £30,000. The square top horse-drawn gypsy wagon is also sure to be popular. Dating from 1909, the wagon is spacious with a queenie stove, shelves, storage space and so on. It is a fantastic piece with holiday rental possibilities and has an estimate of £6,000 – £8,000.

In addition to the larger items on offer, the July auction will offer a series of printed ephemera, prints, pictures, models, rural and domestic bygones, horticultural and barn equipment, steam and tractor accessories and spares, petroliana and enamel and illuminated signs.

Bill King, Chairman, Cheffins comments: “This is one of the most interesting July sales we have had to date and offers something for collectors and enthusiasts at all budgets. The charabanc and other classic commercials should be set to draw interest, as are the selection of classic and vintage tractors. This sale also includes a comprehensive pick of classic motorbikes, which are continuing to rise in value in line with popularity amongst both collectors and those looking for something special to ride. The July auction ought to draw crowds both from the local area and further afield, whilst options for online and phone bidding have also made the July sales an option for buyers based overseas.”

The sale will take place on the 21^st July, at Cheffins Machinery Sale Ground, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QT.  For more information please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.