Cheffins’ first vintage collective sale of 2026, held in late April, delivered a strong opening signal for the season, generating a total turnover of £2.4 million across more than 400 classic and vintage tractors. The undisputed highlight was a rare 1962 Matbro Mastiff, which achieved £68,608, setting the tone for a highly competitive auction environment.
What makes this result particularly notable is the tractor’s documented history. The same machine was purchased at a Cheffins sale in the early 1980s for just £325, illustrating a dramatic long-term value increase that reflects both rarity and growing demand among serious collectors. The winning bid came from a buyer based in Cheshire.
Extreme rarity and limited production define Mastiff value
The Matbro Mastiff stands apart from conventional vintage tractors due to its extremely limited production. Only a small number of units were ever built in the early 1960s, and today just around six original examples are believed to survive.
This scarcity is the primary driver behind its market performance. While many vintage tractors derive value from brand recognition or widespread historical use, the Mastiff appeals to collectors seeking machines that represent unique engineering paths or lesser-known chapters in agricultural development.
Technically, the Mastiff followed a traditional agricultural layout typical of its era, with large rear wheels, a straightforward mechanical drivetrain, and a focus on durability. However, detailed factory specifications remain scarce, which further enhances its exclusivity and collector intrigue.
Ford TW-35 and Massey Ferguson 399 deliver strong secondary results
While the Mastiff dominated headlines, several other lots demonstrated the depth of demand across different segments of the vintage tractor market.
A 1987 Ford TW-35 achieved £61,004, confirming continued interest in late 20th century high horsepower tractors that combine usability with collector appeal. Meanwhile, a 1996 Massey Ferguson 399 with just 2,800 operating hours sold for £48,240, highlighting the premium placed on low-hour, well-preserved machines from the final generation of mechanical era tractors.
These results suggest that the market is not limited to early classics but extends across multiple decades, provided condition, originality, and specification align.
Beyond tractors: cars, motorcycles, and automobilia attract global bidders
Cheffins’ sale once again demonstrated its cross-category strength. In addition to agricultural machinery, the auction featured a diverse range of collector vehicles and memorabilia.
A BMW E30 3 Series convertible, consigned from a deceased estate, exceeded expectations by more than four times its pre-sale estimate, selling for £16,688 to a collector from Shropshire. In the motorcycle segment, a Yamaha FZR750R reached £10,976, while an Associated Motorways enamel sign led the automobilia section at £6,720.
This diversity continues to broaden the buyer base, bringing new participants into the vintage machinery market.
Cheffins April 2026 sale draws global buyers and sets market tone
According to Cheffins director Tom Godsmark, the sale attracted thousands of bidders over two days and delivered strong results across all categories. He noted that the Matbro Mastiff clearly demonstrated how top-tier examples can outperform expectations in the current market.
The jump in value from £325 to over £68,000 across four decades highlights the increasing recognition of vintage tractors as long-term investment assets. At the same time, the auction confirmed that competition remains intense, with international buyers actively targeting rare and original machines.
Next Cheffins vintage auction scheduled for July 2026
Following the success of the April event, Cheffins has confirmed that its next vintage collective sale will take place on July 17 and 18, 2026. In the interim, a series of onsite sales will continue to offer vintage machinery and related items, maintaining market activity throughout the season.
About Matbro
Matbro was a British manufacturer best known for its pioneering work in telescopic handlers and materials handling equipment. Established in the mid-20th century, the company built a reputation for innovation in load handling before becoming part of larger industrial groups. Its limited venture into tractor production, including the Mastiff, remains a rare and highly collectible part of its legacy.
About Cheffins
Cheffins is one of the UK’s leading auction houses specializing in agricultural machinery, vintage tractors, and rural assets. The company conducts multiple large-scale sales each year, with its vintage auctions regularly attracting international buyers and achieving multi-million pound totals.
