More than 500 John Deere toy tractors will be auctioned off on 16–17 October 2026 at The Cambridge Vintage Sale, allowing their owner to make room for other collectables. Peter Green, 77, from Saffron Walden, Essex, has accumulated the models over 12 years but decided to release approximately half of his holdings to fund expansion of his other collections.
The collection features rare and specialist models, including bespoke commissions and limited-edition variants. According to the auctioneers' announcement, individual pieces are expected to fetch between £300 and £500 each. All items will be offered without reserve.
How did the collection begin?
Green, a retired building surveyor, developed his passion for tractors from childhood. He initially collected tractor leaflets and pamphlets before deciding to sell that accumulation.
"Over time that collection grew, and I then decided to sell it all, but by then I had the collecting bug,"he explained.
"So I started collecting John Deere toys instead."
Over the following years, he methodically built the collection by acquiring models from UK dealers, eBay, and other online platforms.
"The house is just about full up and I need to be able to make space for the other part of my collection,"Green said, explaining his decision to sell.
What makes this collection significant?
The majority of the models are 1:16 scale versions manufactured by farm toy maker ERTL. Green's collection includes some of the rarest models available, featuring specialist gold variants and bespoke commissions such as an 8650 Kinze conversion, a 4520 V8 with twin rear wheels, and a modern 9RX830.
Ted Shepherd, an associate at Cheffins auctioneers, praised the assemblage:
"This has to be one of the most expansive John Deere toy collections we have seen in the UK. Collections of this quality and scale rarely come to the market. What makes Peter's collection particularly interesting is the level of research and attention to detail behind it."
Green invested considerable effort in displaying his acquisitions, installing glass-fronted cabinets throughout his home to house the models.
"As time went on, the collection grew and I fitted glass-fronted cabinets into my house to keep them in."
What will happen to the proceeds?
The funds raised from the toy tractor sale will be reinvested into Green's 1:32 scale John Deere collection and used to expand his collection of Caterpillar earthmoving models. This approach allows him to pursue multiple collecting interests within the constraints of his available space.
When and where will the sale take place?
The auction is scheduled for 16–17 October 2026 as part of The Cambridge Vintage Sale, a recurring event held at Cheffins' Sutton saleground. The auction house conducts machinery sales monthly and attracts buyers from over 100 countries, providing a global marketplace for specialist collections.
Key Facts
- Over 500 John Deere toy tractors will be auctioned on 16–17 October 2026
- Individual models are expected to sell for £300–£500 each
- All items are offered without reserve
- The majority are 1:16 scale ERTL models, including rare specialist variants
- Proceeds will fund expansion of the collector's 1:32 scale and Caterpillar collections
