On a bright, but bitterly cold Monday, the auction of a number of vintage tractors and other items from the collection of the late Richard S Moynan, Woodview House, Ballacolla, Co Laois, took place. Vintage enthusiasts and collectors came from all over Ireland to view and bid for items from the collection.

There was much on offer, from simple horse-drawn implements to wheels and an array of vintage tractor parts, or parts of tractors, that took the morning to sell.

After dinner, auctioneer Richard Malone began the sale of an impressive array of tractors. All had been meticulously restored, both mechanically and cosmetically, by Richard Moynan.

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Legacy

These tractors were part of his legacy. This was clearly recognised by those who knew him and travelled to attend the auction, all with the hope of getting their hands on something they knew not just looked right, but also worked right.

Every tractor for sale was started before the bidding began. All ran beautifully, whether petrol, tvo or diesel. Only one produced fumes that could be described as “a bit off”. This could easily be forgiven considering the engineering of its era and the cold day.

It was clear from the line-up of tractors that Richard had his favourites – lots of Fergusons of different lineages, plus David Browns, while a couple of Ford/Fordsons, an International and a Steyr added to his blend of favourites.

More than respectable sums were achieved for the tractors auctioned. A gold-belly grey Ferguson fetched €4,000 early on in the tractor sale.

A Fordson Dexta made €4,100, while a Ford 2000 made €4,450. A David Brown VAK1 made €4,700, while a Massey Ferguson 165 made €5,500.

Battle for Steyr

Two buyers battled it out for the only Steyr of the sale. This single-cylinder Steyr 84 fetched an incredible €7,000. A Massey Ferguson 135 near the end of the auction also made a very respectable €6,000.

The final tractor to be auctioned, and the showpiece of the day, was a very rare Ferguson Brown. This was eagerly anticipated and virtually everyone stayed to see two bidders battle it out, one albeit reluctantly, but expertly coaxed by the auctioneer. The Ferguson Brown finally fell under the hammer for €16,600.

Ford tractors 1964 launch update

We have had some responses to the call for memorabilia for the staging of the 1964 launch of the Ford tractor range, which is being organised by the Fingal Vintage Society in conjuction with Armstrong Machinery Ltd.

This unique event is on Friday February 13 2015 at the City North Hotel, Gormanston, Co Meath, at Junction 7 off the M1. The society is still looking for the loan of more memorabilia, such as the invitation card for the event, so that they can be replicated. Tickets, which are limited to 300, are available on a first come, first served basis at €30 per head and a table of 10 for €270. Tickets and other information is available from Charles Hutcheson at 087-8790611 or Martin Everard at 086-2563023.

Ford 5000 model winner

The winner of our Ford Major 5000 model competition is Hugh O’Byrne from Ballykealy, Ballon, Co Carlow. Hugh’s correct entry was the first selected from the huge number of replies. Many thanks to all who took part in the compeition and thanks to Mad for Models, Carlow for supplying the prize.

Date Event Location Contact

13/14 December Durrow Diecast Model and Toy Show Laois 086-8860598

27 December Sixmilebridge Christmas Road Run Clare 086-3746944

27 December Anglesboro Community Council Tractor Run Cork 086-2549014

27 December Ballynahinch Vintage Ploughing Event Down 028/048-90813225

28 December Donoughmore Parish Vintage Run Cork 087-2392560

11 January Barney Greene Tractor Run Man O’War, Dublin 086-0813725

18 January Galway’s Annual Model and Diorama Show Galway 086-2527602