Record-breaking Massey Ferguson tractor prices

Posted by Chris Graham on 20th May 2024

We report on the record-breaking Massey Ferguson tractor prices achieved at the recent Cheffins-run Peter Marquis collection sale.

This MF 390T, fitted with Chief Super 16P loader, weights and Hi Line cab, found a new home for £19,000.

Arguably, the ‘Sale of the Year’ so far took place in Preston at the end of March, where about 90 interesting lots went under the hammer. This was the sale of the Pete Marquis collection, organised by Cheffins, and the auction included a superb array of vintage and classic tractors.

Many of the machines being sold appeared to be in original condition, while others had been restored to a very high standard; all very tempting for the bidders, who were guided through the sale by Cheffins’ Oliver Godfrey.

Looking in good original condition, this 1996 MF 390 came with 12/12 gearbox and a Lo Profile cab. It sold for £17,000.

As expected, the bidding was brisk and competitive throughout, both from the large crowd in attendance and those involved online. As a result, some high prices were achieved. Demolition expert Pete, who only started collecting classic tractors a few years ago, amassed a fine selection of machines from most popular manufacturers, including Massey Ferguson.

This 1991 MF 3070 Autotronic, with 4,679 hours on the clock, sold for £15,800.

“I’ve enjoyed finding them all,” Pete said. “The idea was to build up the collection as an investment and, once this sale has finished, I’m going to start all over again. Then, in three years or so, I’ll have another sale,” he added.

Among the older MF machines being sold were a couple of restored examples that certainly caught the eye. The first was a 1970 MF 178 that made £13,500 while, doing even better, was a 1966 175 – with front inner and outer wheel weights – that sold £19,500; a new record price!

Described as having ‘no brakes’ and in a rather work-weary condition, this 1977 MF 1505 articulated tractor sold for £14,500.

Attention then turned to newer machines, with an MF 390T 4WD fitted with a Hi Line cab, Chief Super 16P loader and weights, which found a new home for £19,000. This was followed by a 1996 MF 390 2WD with 12/12 transmission, Lo Profile cab, which made £17,000, then a 1990 MF 398 complete with MF 880 front loader in similar condition, which sold for £11,500.

The most expensive tractor in the sale turned out to be this 1985 MF 2725 Electronic that, with just 2,782 hours on the clock, was moved on for £41,500.

Newer still was a 1991 MF 3070 Autotronic 4WD with 4,679 hours and in very original condition, which sold for £15,800, followed by a 1991 MF 3095 Autotronic 4WD with only 4,098 hours on the clock that went for £14,000.

Looking to be in good condition, this 1982 MF 2620 caught the eye and made £12,500.

Moving back to the 1980s, a 1982 MF 2620 4WD made £12,500, and a 1985 MF 2725 4WD Electronic with just 2,782 hours sold for £41,500 (plus VAT). Yes, you did read that correctly! This was followed by a 1983 MF 2680 2WD that was moved on for £16,000, then, finally, came a rather work-worn and rough MF 1505 articulated tractor from 1977. It was advertised as having no brakes, and sold for £14,500.

This feature comes from the latest issue of Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE