[Farmall] Oldest Experimental Farmall Coming Up For Sale
James Moran
jrmoraninc at yahoo.com
Thu Nov 23 06:49:22 PST 2006
Todd (and others) make good points regarding "one color -vs- another color". The only "thing" that makes gold (as an example) valuable is the value which mankind places upon it. While gold is scarce in comparison to (let's say) drinking water (at least to this point in time and for most of us), there is no contrast in terms of the true and critical valuations. I muse as to what that last gallon of gasoline will bring on the open market...certainly more than the recent $3.00 with which we suffered.
IMHO there are two valid issues that drive prices...some of which are insane. Supply and demand is the most obvious and most "cited". Some musicians and sports "stars" readily sign autographs whereas others keep a very low profile and are "standoffish". Paul McCartney was not too liberal with his signature while Bruce Springsteen is more willing/more approachable. As a result, a valid McCartney will bring more, assuming there are those that desire to possess such a thing.
Marketing and "public opinion" drive values in a similar manner. I would suggest that the Dixie Chicks stock has gone down, as did that of Michael Richards after his recent escapade. In terms of tractors, I would offer that J/D did a better job of marketing their goods than did others, IH included. Perhaps this is not so and you "historical experts" could comment more accurately to this point than can I. It is only a possible suggestion.
To the general, non-tractor-usin' population, I would venture to say that if the man on the street was asked to name a tractor brand, the overwhelming majority would be quick to say "John Deere". Looking back on prime-time television where farming and tractors played a role, Green Acres comes to mind. Please advise...did not character Oliver drive an 8n (or some such Ford)? I think that Grandpappy Amos (Real McCoys) had an IH. Was there not a video of country tune "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" showing a J/D?
The most important point was, in fact, Todd's....if I ain't sellin', what's the difference.
Just some ramblings...a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and wishes for a peaceful holiday season (and, of course, well beyond). Nice day here in Rochester, New York. Bright sun and temps into the 50's. I went to my barn yesterday and started a couple of machines and breathed deeply the perfume of diesel exhaust. Live could be better, but it ain't too bad.
Jim Moran
Farmallgray at aol.com wrote: That is why I'm glad I got my tractors when I did. 10-15 years ago I saw
what green tractors were selling for. I knew that IH being the next most
popular, they would eventually go the same way (notice I said next most popular, not
second best!). One thing that might keep IH tractors a little lower is the
fact that back in the 30s, 40s and 50s they were the number one seller, so
there are more of them than green tractors of the same age.
I doubt my F-series tractors will ever be as popular as the letter series
though.
But, I guess it really doesn't matter what they are worth if I never sell
them.
Todd
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