Mechanical treasures find new homes
There was much reminiscing, strategic buying and wishful thinking as the late Bill Troughton’s treasures went under the hammer.
Troughton, 82, died in December, and, as per his wishes, his large vintage farm collection was auctioned off over the weekend.
More than 1000 items were for sale. People even camped out on the Matamata property for the two-day sale.
Troughton’s eldest son, David, said it was tough seeing his father’s belongings being sold off.
‘‘What began over 40 years ago, and it just grew and grew.
‘‘It’s mixed emotions, it is sad to see it go. It’s the end of an era.’’
Bill was a keen member of the Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club and Vintage Car Club, and visited swap meets around the North Island, finding precious collectables as he went.
He loved to share his collection. Often schools and other clubs would visit the farm to see the vintage vehicles.
David had earlier said his dad never wanted the collection to be used as a museum and it would have made him happy to know it would be auctioned off to people who shared a similar passion.’’Not one of us, individually or collectively can take this on,’’ he said, gazing at the between 300 and 500 people at the auction on Sunday – a mix of tyrekickers and bidders.
‘‘He wanted everything to be used, not just sitting here. Everything here has a value. If it’s not monetary value, it’s sentimental,’’ he said.
As to the total amount the family expected to get, it was to hard for David to put a number on.
‘‘It’s swings and roundabouts with the items. Some things went surprisingly high.’’
Warwick and Kevin Johnson, along with Glen Horn, were leaning in the tray of Troughton’s 1969 Daihatsu three-wheel truck, the vehicles conjuring up memories of their teenage years, including old love affairs in the backseat of a Model N Ford.
‘‘This is one of the most diverse collections I’ve seen,’’ Kevin Johnson said.
The 1906 Model N and the 1939 Chevrolet had caught the trio’s eyes but their hands were remain- ing firmly in their pockets.
And you had to have deep pockets – the Model N sold for $60,500 after a bidding war between two Model T fans.
The Chevrolet is staying in the family with Bill’s son George buying it for $27,000.
The Indian Scout motorbike sold for $16,500.
David believes a lot of the items were sold locally, including some to his father’s good mates and family. army