Thousands of vintage machinery enthusiasts turned out in force as vehicles from a bygone age went under the hammer for the largest auction of its type in the country.
Almost 3,000 lots were sold at the Cheffins vintage auction held in Sutton – ranging from classic steam engines and vintage tractors through to specialist cars and rare motorcycles.
A variety of other collectables were also up for grabs including photographs, brochures, stationery engines and spares.
The vintage sale is a flagship event for Cheffins and attracted about 4,000 people.
Among the stars of the show was a 1907 Foden steam engine that sold for £160,000. Meanwhile, a Fosters of Lincoln steam engine wagon fetched £8,000.
Cheffins auctioneer Oliver Godfrey said people’s enthusiasm for all things vintage appeared to be stronger than ever.
“This sale always seems to attract some of the finest vehicles and 2015’s entries were no exception,” he said.
“It’s always a pleasure to see steam at our sales and, while it remains a select market, there is still plenty of interest for those engines that are priced right.
“Well restored tractors and ultra-original examples also sold well, while the classic motorcycle trade was as buoyant as ever, with a clearance rate of more than 90 per cent.
“The interest in the vintage movement appears stronger than ever with probably the largest attendance ever seen at one of our sales.”
Other lots to catch the eye included an Atkinson Weightmaster FC10737 lorry that sold at £5,000, an AEC Reliance lorry that made £9,500 and a well presented Commer Karrier tanker that took £5,100.
Leading the way among the 227 tractors that went under the hammer was a restored David Brown 50D which sold at £26,500.
Meanwhile, a low-houred experimental County 1174 sold at £20,500 and a unique Massey Ferguson 135 finished in black sold for £7,800.
A Rolls Royce Shadow II sold post sale for £5,750, while a 1966 Fiat 500F Cinquecento that received a lot of pre-sale interest sold for £5,500.
Among the motorcycles was an Ariel 4G Mk2 that fetched £8,600, a BSA J12 combination that made £21,800 and a Lyclone with J.A.P V twin engine that took £9,500.
Meanwhile, a selection of steam traction engine photos sold for £1,320, a quantity of David Brown implement brochures went for £390 and a John Deere dealer’s sign made £350.
A superb and very rare J.A.P 680 GTO OHV V twin engine sold for an impressive £14,000 and a set of signed Barry Sheene leathers rode off to £400.
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