Schafer 20000 PS154 Sold at Auction

On May 7, 2009 Purple Wave Auctioneers sold an extremely rare, 1964 Schafer 20000 PS 154 tractor, at their sale held in conjunction with the 3I show in Kansas.
The tractor, part of a collection owned by the late Harold Winkel, sold along with several other collectable tractors and a customized pick-up.

The Schafer brought $18,700 from a phone bidder in Minnesota.

I spoke with Dan after the sale he was hoping it would have sold for more, "It is hard seeing your memories go". He was okay with it since he got to talk to the buyer and found out it was going to be well cared for and not purchased to become a “working tractor”. The new owner indicated to Dan he would be using it as a show and parade tractor. It is hard to put a dollar figure on something so rare, since there is little to compare it to. In this type of situation it will depend on the number or bidders and how willing they are to part with their money to fill a desire.

As for me, I was betting collectors of rare and orphan tractors would get into a bidding war and it would bring an obcenely high amount. But I’m happy for the buyer I feel he got himself a good deal. He won't have to do anything to it since it has been well cared for all its life, unlike some antiques and collectables that you might purchase by the bushel. I hope someday to be able to speak with the new owner to see what drew him to this tractor.

Its age and the economy may have had something to do with it not attracting more bidders. A 1964 is on the cusp, that crucial breaking point between antique and collectable, often the difference between a respectable and obscenely high selling price. Isn’t it funny how a year or two one-way or the other can make a big difference?