A series of record prices were paid for classic tractors at auction as part of the Liddell family's Shrubbs Farm Collection in Essex.

The family, who had been collecting machinery for more than 35 years had quietly put together one of the most genuine and original collections of Ford and Ford conversion tractors including Doe, County and Roadless in the country.

The sale of more than 90 classic and vintage tractors, conducted by East Anglian-based auctioneer, Cheffins, at Sheering, near Bishops Stortford, saw a record £210,112 paid for a 1983 County 1474 ‘short nose’– the second highest price paid for a vintage or classic tractor at auction to date – which was bought by a UK-based collector. This rare example had seen two owners from new, only 100 hours on the clock and had a pre-sale estimate of £60,000-£70,000.

This was followed by £79,864 for a rare 1966 Northrop 5004/6 – well above its £40,000-£50,000 estimate; £49,312 for a 1965 Doe-130; £45,024 for a 1989 Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee; £34,840 for a 1975 Ford 7000 and £28,944 for a Roadless Ploughmaster 6/4.

Similarly, £28,944 was paid for a 1991 Ford 8830 Power Shift; £27,872 for a 1978 Massey Ferguson 1200; £26,800 for a 1977 Roadless 120 and £23,584 for a Roadless Ploughmaster 95.

Oliver Godfrey, director at Cheffins said: “A huge enthusiastic crowd along with hundreds of registered bidders assembled at 9am on sale day morning and the prices and amount of bidding was incredible and consistent throughout the day.

"Bidders came from all four corners of the UK as well as the continent and even interest from the USA. A record-breaking auction and one which we at Cheffins were very proud to have been instructed to conduct."

Prices reported are inclusive of 6 per cent buyers’ premium and VAT.