If you haven’t heard the news, a Farmall H tractor sold for $40,000 at the Mecum Gone Farmin’ Auction on November 7. That’s not a typo – it was really sold for forty thousand dollars.
After an interview with John Kennay, the man who sold this tractor at the auction, I’ve got the inside scoop on why this tractor was worth so much. Here’s the story.
First things first: this really is an incredible selling price for a Farmall H! There are plenty of Farmall H tractors still around – hundreds of thousands were produced, and here in Michigan you can usually by a Farmall H for as little as $1,000. These tractors are loved by many (my dad included – here’s his story), but I’ve never heard of one selling for more than $9,000 – and that one was something really special. Even a great restoration rarely brings more than $5,000.
What makes this tractor so special is highly original condition. Plenty of people enjoy restoring tractors, making them shiny and new again – but there’s also something to be said for the unaltered original. That’s exactly what you have in this tractor – nearly as original as you could imagine.
According to John, the tractor was bought new by an elderly farmer from Monroe, IL. The bachelor farmer and his sister ran an 80-acre family farm, with around half of it planted in corn. The farmer used the tractor to cultivate his 40 acres of corn one year, but never used the tractor for farming again – choosing instead to rent out the land. The tractor sat unused and was later passed down to the farmer’s niece, who kept it for sentimental reasons but rarely pulled it out of the shed.
14 years later, John and his father purchased the tractor. They are dedicated Case IH men, using red power to farm 2,000 acres in western Illinois. John and his father recognized that the H was something special and kept it well-preserved. John estimates that in the time he and his father owned it, they got it out only once or twice a year for short rides around the yard.
John’s best guess is that the tractor has only 200 hours on it. The tractor’s condition certainly supports this. It still has red paint on the fan belt and the gear shaft rod. Even the piece of cloth tape that the factory put on to hold the spark plug wires together is still there.
While John knew he had something special, he never expected the tractor to sell for so much. John and Dan Mecum had originally settled on a reserve of $7,500, but on sale day John and his wife agreed that they would let it go for as little as $6,000. When it came up to the auction block, the selling price hit $10,000 in a heartbeat. The bids climbed to $20,000 so quickly that the auctioneer jumped straight up to $30,000! The bidders soon thinned out, and two buyers marched right up to $40,000. The winning bid went to a man from Connecticut.
So what did John do with his unexpected windfall? John agreed that it felt a little bit like winning the lottery – “I was so happy!” he said. Later that day, John bought a beautifully restored 1206 Wheatland as a gift for his father. “My dad is still farming at age 89,” John explained. “He’s always wanted a 1206 Wheatland,” so when it came to the block John couldn’t resist. Together with his father, John brought the 1206 back to their 2,000 acres in Illinois.
Here’s the moral of the story: if your grandpa’s Farmall H is sitting in the back corner of the barn, untouched and in highly original condition, think twice before taking it in for a paint job!
What a story! Thanks, John for sharing with us.
Photos from Mecum.
Kris Johnston says
My wife and I attended this Mecum Auction, and saw this tractor sell. We, along with many others in attendance sat with our mouths open when the tractor reached $40,000. Thanks for sharing the story of the Farmall H.
donna plumlee says
I will sell my husband’s two old original tractors, a blue ford and a faded red massey-ferguson for $40,000 each. Oh wait, I better retract this post. He would never agree. Besides the blue Ford was my dad’s so can’t let that one go. They still run.
Jena says
I seriously doubt it. I’ve never understood why people lie like this. I was also here. Two questions, what year was this sold, also what wraps the weather like this day? Bonus question was it an inside or outside event? Sorry to ask, I’ve seen so many weird people who make up weird stories about being witness to certain events.
Joe says
My question is why is the hood a different color if it’s so original? ?
Rein says
I was thinking this too.
Justine Moisan says
The hood was painted seperately, because of the decalcs
John Souder says
I’m doubting the 200 hour claim of use. The paint is bad, useless it set outside.
and the tires are worn a lot more than 200 hours would have been able to cause.
It’s still in nice shape, and I would be proud to own it.
John Brown says
The tractor is 70 plus years old. And yes it probably did sit outside, when this was new, farmers didn’t have big machine sheds like they do now…. I haven’t ever seen any other tractor, car ,or truck this vintage that looks this nice.
Dennis Erickson says
My dads Model M looked original last August 2014.
Engine froze, oil leaks , tires flat, grease & dirt every where, smelled very bad, radiator leaked, head cracked ,lights did not work, battery dead, starter did not work, generator
dead, seals leaking everywhere. Some other things have forgotten?
After all the work, and still working on it, not sure about selling it for 50 thousand?
Dennis Mausolf says
Unbelievable ! This case is one in a million ! Most of these tractors would have been run into the ground in this many years ! New owner should be proud of his new “H”, despite the cost !
Deb in Illinois says
This is a real inquiry and I hope I get a reply. My active, mobile 83 yr old mother wants very much to plow a row with a Farm All again like her Grandfather let her do as a young girl visiting his farm. We live in a suburb in Illinois between Chicago and Rockford , would love to give ‘gift certificate” for this experience as Christmas gift to be used in late spring 2016. debkrichlacy@gmail.com
Dan says
Check with the guys and girls over at FarmallCub.com . Maybe some of them can help you out. Also check for plow days. Someone would likely let her make a round.
Ryan marrs says
Nice tractor but I have a nice original 1951 farmall cub.never been painted.always stored inside.still on 6 volt.still has original seat cover.a must see.would like to have it appraised to see what it’s worth.thanks Ryan Marrs I enjoy watching mecum tractor auction on RFD.
Brad says
Ryan, please let me know if your Cub would be for sale some day. Thanks! Brad 402.649.0260
Michael says
Hey I got a farm all tractor if ur interested
ROBERT GANT says
Yes I am
Danilo says
Keep all the articles coming. I really like reading your posts.
Cheers.
dennis says
I just picked up a h in good shape drove home possilbe for sale
Enock says
I have an old Farmall H here in Kenya but Not in a clean condition but it’s in original paint and it’s running.
How can I get a Buyer
Brian braun says
I have a 1939 model h farm all with an original factory loader and a serial number in the 800s. Email me if interested.
kennedy says
I watched that on tv
Rein says
If that’s the tractor in the photos it’s not worth more than $8000. And the only way I’d bid that high is if I was trying to buy back my grandfathers tractor.
John Hayne says
Nice looking tractor. A couple things on original. The original gas cap was short. Somewhere in the 50’s, IH had a safety notice replacing the short gas cap with the tall safe one. Secondly, is that a coil? Magnetos were original on H’s, at least to 1948, which ours is.
NICHOLAS W VLASSIS says
49 H has a magneto as well. Just “rescued” on from a shed.
dale schwartzkopf says
where is the fenders?
Larry says
Have a 52 H all original, rough shape, been setting in pole barn for quite some time. Any intrest?
Text me @ 574-308-0864
Larry says
574-309-0864
Liz Kimberlin says
I have two H Farmalls in excellent condition
Robert W Moore says
I have one that looks just like that on a property I purchased.
Bob Ramos says
I have what I believe is a 1945 farmall H. Casting on the block is 6-25-O. anyway I’m curious about the one wheel up front, is that original? I ask because every picture I’ve come across has 2 wheels side by side. Any help is appreciated.
JIM says
Looking for 1952 H Farmall sn 377546×1 Thankyou text 712 542 0266
Jethro says
They were an option
John Pattison says
My 1939 h sat in a barn for 30 years, and I picked it up for $500!
grant ashcraft says
I have a 1942 farmall H and it was being made during pearl harbor.
Bill hudson says
The first thing you have to realize about tractors. They are designed to apply power through traction in rough ground. The frame and suspension will not twist or warp like an automobile. Their built to withstand the shock of hanging an implement on a solid object and being jerked to a quick stop. If a tractor is well maintained and not allowed to over heat, its very difficult to wear one out. I have a 1953 M jd that I bought as junk in the late 80s and rebuilt the motor. I’m still cultivating my 20 acres with it every year.
matt goebel says
I have a 1953 I’ll let it go for half that half that and it’s all original too
Hal Hazard says
Nothing more than a highly recconized auction service with a story. I have had several International tractor’s Farmall H, F-12, cubs, all in exceptional condition, some original. I believe the tractor fetch that kinda money for two reasons, first these first class auction services they attract an audience with deep pockets, second the bidding process, it’s a competition, who will pay the highest price, sometimes it becomes a grudge match, ” l don’t care how much l pay, I’m going to be the winning bidder, at any cost”.
Chuck Schedel says
Just bought a 1949 H that is all original with original shiny paint, seat, and IH umbrella that was never used. Mechanic just went through it and rebuilt carb and installed a new battery. Also has bucket, snow plow, and tire chains. I’m into to it for 4K. Is this an OK price?