Inflated prices
Page 52
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• I refer to the piece published in Bird's Eye View, 'New Life in a Classy Old Dog' (CM 16-22 April). Unfortunately it did not state whether the vehicle was an AEC Mandator or Mammoth Major as I understand examples of both models were in the auction.
Nevertheless, my reason for writing is the exhorbitant price paid for such a machine. I can only conclude that the person bidding had no idea of market values.
You may be aware that regular historic commercial vehicle auctions have taken place twice yearly since March 1990 and of two additional dispersal sales held recently where substantial numbers were included. Each has been reported by me in the enthusiast press and has also provided an opportunity to monitor prices raised on more than 300 vehicles.
During this period bidding prices have never exceeded £14,000 for fully in poor condition have only reached £5,000 on one occasion for a very rare 1918 Leyland FEU4 fire appliance.
As examples, I have enclosed pictures of a poor condition 1965 AEC Mandator MkV 2G4RA tractor which sold at Peterborough on 28 March for the realistic price of £.375, and a fully restored 1955 AEC Mammoth Major 8 MkIII type 3871H tipper which changed hands for the high figure of £12,500 at Somerton on 11 April. I should also mention that both auctions were advertised in the enthusiast press but the Parry event was not, so will have failed to attract buyers from that sector in similar numbers.
Unfortunately it is only the exceptionally high auction price that receives publicity outside the historic commercial vehicle sector, and owners get the false impression that theirs are of similar value.
Mike Wells, Egham, Surrey.