Vintage tractor set to be auctioned for RSABI

A completely restored vintage tractor is set to be auctioned later this month to raise funds for RSABI – the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture.

The Straight Axle Massey Ferguson 135 – complete with original factory-fitted power steering and Pickup hitch/Drawbar combination – was donated to RSABI by farmer Harold McKeever to be restored and sold in aid of the charity. The tractor will come with the original registration document and original instruction book.

Mr McKeever bought the tractor as new in April 1973. When he moved from Northern Ireland in 1976, he drove the tractor from County Down to Larne, took the ferry, and then continued on the tractor from Stranraer up the coast to Ayrshire.

Explaining why he donated the tractor to RSABI, Mr McKeever said: “I feel I’ve had a very good innings and wanted to give something back to the industry, and to RSABI in particular.”

The tractor has been carefully restored by RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee members John McNae and Russell McNab, and other members of the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club. The ‘nut and bolt’ restoration took place in Mr McNae’s workshop in evenings prior to lockdown. This completely professional restoration has resulted in an incredibly special tractor.

Mr McNab explained, “This Massey Ferguson 135 is now in pristine condition. We hope its sale will attract a lot of interest, particularly with its unusual history of being driven all the way from County Down to Ayrshire by its previous owner."

Over the past ten years RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee have raised over £100,000 for the charity, and fundraisers have included two previous tractor restorations.

Mr McNae explains why he got involved, “As an agricultural engineer, volunteering with RSABI’s Ayrshire Voluntary Committee has been a very rewarding way to give back to the agricultural community and those who have fallen on hard times.

“Previous tractor restorations have been a great fundraising success for our committee, and we hope the sale of this perfect vintage tractor will raise further vital funds for RSABI.

“I’d like to thank those who helped to sponsor some of the parts for the tractor.”

The tractor will be sold at Pentland Auctions in Kirriemuir during their online auction sale of Quality Vintage & Classic Tractors, Implements and Sundries taking place from Monday 16 to Monday 23 November. The auction can be viewed online at https://www.pentlandlivestock.co.uk/. 

Auctioneer Graham Burke is forgoing commission on the sale, to further support the charity.

RSABI’s Chief Executive Nina Clancy said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mr McKeever for kindly donating his tractor to RSABI, and to all involved in its restoration and auction – particularly members of RSABI’s Ayrshire Fundraising Committee and the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club.

“The funds raised from the sale of this lovely tractor will make a huge difference and help us provide support to people in Scottish farming and crofting.”

Pictured with the restored tractor are some of the restorers L to R Michael Watson, Jim Purdie, John McNae, Andrew Craig, David Harvey, Wallace Lapsley, Lex Craig and Russell McNab