Massey Ferguson’s fire engine to star in auction of classic tractors and vehicles for tractor historian, Stuart Gibbard.

Massey Ferguson’s former fire tender and several rare tractors that have featured in national magazines will be offered for sale by auction on 26 September on behalf of well-known tractor journalist and historian, Stuart Gibbard. The appliance, which provided fire cover at MF’s Banner Lane factory from 1993 to 2002, is based on a forward-control Land Rover. Also included in the auction are a number of rare and unusual vintage and classic tractors and a large amount of tractor literature.

The tractors include a Bolinder Munktell BM 230 and an International 560 together with a selection of Case/DB models. As well as the Land Rover fire engine, a very scarce Land Rover Series 1 with the 2-litre diesel engine will also be offered in the auction. With Stuart’s journalistic connections (he is currently editor of Old Tractor magazine), most of the tractors and vehicles in the sale have featured in or on the cover of several leading magazines, adding to their provenance and historical interest.

Stuart is reducing his collection due to the loss of storage space. “I’m very reluctant to part with most of the machines in the auction,” says Stuart. However, I’ve got a chance to rent out my redundant farm buildings, which means that we have to reduce the collection. My collecting interests have also moved into different areas over the years and it’s a good opportunity to change direction.”

The sale will also include implements, tractor and Land Rover spares, machinery and bygones, as well as a Barford agricultural steam boiler and sterilising plant for daffodil bulbs. There will also be a very large amount of literature from Stuart’s family business, Gibbard Tractors, including instruction books, parts manuals, sales brochures and other associated items. “After 30 years in the literature business, we’ve amassed a large inventory and feel its time to reduce stocks in certain areas,” comments Stuart. “We simply need the space so it will be a unique opportunity for collectors and dealers alike.”

The sale, which will take place at Cowbit near Spalding in South Lincolnshire, is being conducted by Spalding auctioneers, R Longstaff & Co. Contact John Allen on 01775 766766 for more information. Further entries are invited by arrangement with the auctioneers.

Contacts:

Stuart Gibbard, 01406 380740; e-mail: stuart@gibbardtractors.co.uk

John Allen (R Longstaff & Co) 01775 766766; e-mail: jja@longstaff.com