[AT] Buying a special tractor

[jahaze at aol.com]

I sent a rather long message to the list about two weeks ago, but I never saw it show up so I thought i'd try again.  

I was bored the other day and started browsing the Aaumann auction web site and ran across the big sale scheduled for this September in New York State.  I don't remember the name right off hand.  Anyway, after looking over all the really cool heavy iron, one little old rusty tractor really jumped out at me.  It is quite rare with only four previously know to exist (this was not one of them). Anyway, it's a Fitch four-power, one of the first four wheel drive tractors built in the mid-1920's right here in my little town of Big Rapids, Michigan.  There is another restored one here locally, but it is a different model than the one coming up for sale.  The one in the sale looks complete, but it is in very rough shape (and will probably look worse in person).

I want to buy the tractor, but I have no idea what it will sell for, and that's my problem.  I could come up with $10,000 for it on my own, but all these rusty old things seems to go for high prices then get sent overseas (the auction is full of big prairie tractors which will probably head that way).  What are the chances that this one will slip through the cracks and come home with me?  The other thing I am struggling with is what if I go there and it sells for $12,000?  Has anyone here ever bought a tractor with a partner?  This thing has some very significant local ties, maybe I can find someone who would go in with me.

What would you do?  I'm planning to take a few vacation days and head over there, it should be fun if nothing else.

Enjoy, Joe

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