Vintage tractor auction raises over £11,000 for RSABI

A beautifully restored Massey Ferguson 135 auctioned to raise funds for the charity RSABI has sold for £11,800.

The successful bidder was Brian Mitchell from Brechin, Angus, who was born and raised on a Perthshire farm. Mr Mitchell is a committee member of the Angus Agricultural Association and runs the vintage vehicle section of the Angus Show.

Mr Mitchell collects tractors and had always been interested in a Massey Ferguson 135 but never considered buying a restored one until this auction lot caught his eye.

He said: “When I saw this 135 it looked like a superb restoration job and I decided I’d give it a bid.

“I expected it would go to £10,000 and when it went over I thought I’d just bid a little further as it’s such a good tractor. Knowing the money was going to a good cause in RSABI was also an incentive.

“I’m delighted with the tractor and I’m looking forward to taking it out to shows.”

Mr Mitchell is now the second owner of the tractor, after it was generously donated by farmer Harold McKeever who bought it as new in 1973 and drove it from County Down to Ayrshire when he moved to Scotland in 1976.

The tractor underwent a complete ‘nut and bolt’ restoration by RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee members John McNae and Russell McNab, along with other members of the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club, at Mr McNae’s workshop.

The tractor was sold by Pentland Auctions during their recent online auction sale of Quality Vintage & Classic Tractors, Implements and Sundries.

Nina Clancy, Chief Executive of RSABI extended her thanks to all those involved. She said: “We’re over the moon with the sum of money raised by the sale of this fantastic vintage tractor and our heartfelt thanks go to all involved.

“The auction has been a real boost, and funds raised will help us provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

“We’re extremely grateful to Harold McKeever for donating the tractor, and to John McNae, Russell McNab and members of the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club for the tremendous amount of time and effort they put into the project.

 “Thanks too to Graham Burke at Pentland Auctions who waived their fee to further support RSABI.

“And of course thanks also go to the buyer Brian Mitchell – we hope he enjoys this wonderful tractor!”

Caption: Pictured left to right with the Massey Ferguson 135: Norma Mitchell, Brian Mitchell, Graham Burke of Pentland Auctions, Ewan Pate recently retired RSABI Chair