Iconic tractor to be auctioned by Cheffins to help fund playroom at new Cambridge Children’s Hospital

Cheffins will auction an iconic 1963 Fordson Super Dexta tractor with funding going towards a playroom at the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital which is currently under construction.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust as part of the firm’s celebration of its 200-year anniversary. The tractor, bought by Cheffins in June 2024, has been fully restored by Youngs Agricultural Services in Stretham and could raise up to £30,000 when it goes under the hammer at the Cambridge Vintage Sale on 18 October.

Throughout 2025, the ‘Cheffins Charity Tractor’ has been showcased at events across the UK including the National Tractor Run, the Suffolk Show, the Norfolk Show, Tractor Fest at Newby Hall, Haddenham Steam Rally and the Saffron Walden Carnival procession, drawing admiration from enthusiasts and the public alike.

The Fordson Super Dexta holds a special place in British tractor history. First launched at the Smithfield Show in 1961 and produced from April 1962, it was was the final evolution of the Fordson line. This 1963 model features an uprated P4696 Minimec pump, delivering 44.5hp, as well as features including ‘live’ power take-off, hydraulics and a pick-up hitch.

Oliver Godfrey, director and head of the Cheffins machinery division, said: “Whoever buys the Fordson Super Dexta will not only be taking home an iconic vintage tractor and a piece of agricultural history, but they will also be directly funding a playroom for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

“When complete, the hospital will transform healthcare for children in the region and will service some 1.5 million people living in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. The hospital will provide specialist care, with a dedicated playroom created directly from funding from Cheffins.”

The Fordson Super Dexta has a presale estimate of £20,000 – £30,000. It will be sold as part of the Cheffins Vintage Sale hosted at the Cheffins machinery saleground at Sutton, near Ely, and online at cheffins.co.uk.

Oliver added: “The Super Dexta is a legend among vintage tractor collectors. Thanks to the expert restoration by Youngs Agricultural Services, it looks truly magnificent and has already turned heads at shows across the country. We’re excited to see the support it generates when it comes up for sale.”

For more information, visit cheffins.co.uk or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.