Harry Ferguson collection to go under hammer

Paul Rackham, of Camp Farm, near Thetford, in Norfolk, England, is selling what’s considered to be the most complete set of vintage Ferguson tractors and implements in the world.

The Hunday Collection, which includes 73 tractors and 100 implements - along with other rare memorabilia and literature - is expected to fetch more than £400,000.

It also features a fully restored Series 1 long wheel-base Land Rover that was purchased new by Harry Ferguson Ltd and has a guide price of between £20,000 and £25,000.

The vehicle was the 13th long-wheelbase (107”) Land Rover to roll off the production line and was supplied new to the ‘grey Fergie’ manufacturers in Coventry in November 1953.

It is thought to have inspired the four-wheeled drive developments carried out by Harry Ferguson Research Limited.

The sale, organised by Cambridgeshire auctioneers Cheffins and Suffolk’s Clarke and Simpson, is expected to attract a number of Ferguson enthusiasts from throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA and beyond.

Ferguson, born at Growell, near Dromore, was the son of a farmer and noted for his role in the development of the modern tractor.

He is also famous for becoming the first Irishman to build and fly his own aeroplane and for developing the first four-wheel drive Formula One car.

The auction will take place at Camp Farm near Thetford, Norfolk, on Saturday 14 November.