ONE of the most important collections of classic Ford and Fordson tractors is expected to sell for more than £500,000 when it goes under the hammer next month.

Owner Paul Cable amassed his collection over 14 years and many of the tractors on offer are among the rarest examples of their type to hit the market – including uncommon Fordson County derivatives such as the Super-4, Super-6 and a 1957 Four Drive.

Cheffins, the auctioneers, will sell 38 classic tractors and piles of implements and spares at Colesdale Farm, near Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, on Saturday, May 12. The lots can be viewed the day before.

Oliver Godfrey, Cheffins director, said: “Paul Cable was at one time one of the largest agricultural contractors in Hertfordshire, but he retired from the business in 2003 and devoted time to his passion for collecting classic tractors, while still farming 150 acres in rural Hertfordshire.

“Following a 50-year career in farming, he has decided to retire and sell his collection at one of the most significant on-site sales for machinery of this type to have hit the market for many years.”

Leading the way will be a County 1474 Longnose which has a pre-sale estimate of £60,000-£70,000, followed by the Doe Triple-D, which is expected to sell in the same price range.

A Ford FW60 is expected to make between £20,000-£25,000, while a low-houred 1979 County 1174 that operated at Stansted Airport has an estimate of £20,000-£25,000.

Dating back to mostly the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, all of the tractors have been beautifully restored and preserved. Also on offer on the day will be a 1956 Land Rover Series 1, which has been subject to an extensive restoration over a three-year period.

Mr Godfrey said: “This is one of the finest collections of Ford and Fordson’s variants in the UK. With a fantastic eye and a skill for preservation, Paul’s collection is a Ford and Fordson enthusiast’s dream. The level of interest we have had for this sale has been exceptional and we are expecting the sale to be incredibly busy on the day.”

See cheffins.co.uk or call 01353 777767 for more information.