The first Cheffins’ collective sale of 2026 will see a massive 3,500 lots go under the hammer including vintage tractors, cars, motorbikes and collectors’ items on 24th and 25th April. Hosted at Cheffins dedicated saleground at Sutton, near Ely, the auction is anticipated to gross £1.5 million at what is the largest auction of its type in Europe.
Over 400 classic and vintage tractors have been consigned from collectors nationwide, with the star of the show being a rare 1962 Matbro Mastiff. Purchased from the Cambridge Machinery Sale in in the early 80s for £325, this is one of only six remaining original examples and is being sold by a collector from the West Country. It has a pre-sale estimate of £50,000 - £60,000. Other highlights among the tractors include a 1988 Mercedes-Benz MB-Trac and a 1988 Ford 7610 with less than 1,900 hours from new.
Another unusual opportunity is a 1967 Scammell Highwayman lorry which is being sold with a 1946 W H Woodcock living van. Known as the ‘Palace on Wheels’ the living van is the only remaining example of the vehicles which were created by W H Woodcock. Only six of these were built, and this last remaining example has a Mollycroft roof, crystal chandeliers and a fitted kitchen. Paired with the Scammel lorry, this is an award-winning set up and which is set to sell for £60,000 - £65,000.
The vehicle section is particularly comprehensive at the upcoming sale, with the leading lot being a 1977 Volkswagen pickup which has been extensively restored and has a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 - £20,000. This is followed by a 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Being sold by the renowned trial driver Colin Reid, the car is in original condition and is set to sell for £8,000 - £10,000. Another car set to be of interest for classic enthusiasts is a 1951 Morgan three-wheel car which is being sold by a local collector and has an estimate of £7,000 - £9,000.
Motorbike fans will also see a series of opportunities at the auction, with early vintage and classic examples on offer. A 1982 Suzuki Katana, the fastest production motorcycle of the time, is offered in immaculate condition having been restored by Norfolk-based specialists. Consigned from Cambridgeshire, it is set to sell for £6,000 - £7,000. Another interesting example is a fully restored Moto Guzzi Ercole tipper motorbike which has been fully restored by the current owner having been found in untouched in the Italian countryside. Thought to have originally been used for transporting stone when building local houses in Italy, the tipper has a capacity of 1.5 tonnes and is an important part of motoring history. It has an estimate of £4,500 - £5,500.
Tom Godsmark, Director, Cheffins says:
“This is set to be an enormous sale. The scale and breadth of the items on offer is massive, and it really is set to kickstart the vintage calendar for 2026. Its scale and diversity reflect not only the strength of the market but also the passion of collectors who continue to seek out rare and characterful tractors, cars, motorbikes and more. Our April auctions consistently attract an international audience, and this year’s offering, particularly the vehicles and showman’s equipment, is of outstanding quality.”
Tom Godsmark continues:
“We’re definitely seeing demand for vintage and nostalgic pieces on the up. Prices for classic tractors have been climbing steadily, and the same goes for classic cars, motorbikes and anything tied to motoring history. More and more buyers are turning to these kinds of assets, not just because they tend to hold their value, but because they’re genuinely enjoyable to own and use. With the wasting asset rule covering tractors, steam engines and motorbikes, we’re expecting a strong turnout, both from seasoned collectors on the hunt for their next piece and from those looking for something a bit more interesting to invest in while the UK weathers ongoing economic uncertainty. There’s often a noticeable uplift in interest in these nostalgic items during times like this. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the saleground. These events always have a great, almost fairground-like atmosphere - part social gathering, part treasure hunt - and they’re just as much about catching up with fellow enthusiasts as they are about finding that next standout addition to a collection.”
The sale will welcome live bidding as well as bidding via telephone and online.
The sale will take place on the 24th and 25th April at Cheffins Machinery Sale Ground, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2QT. For more information, please call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767 or email [email protected]