French Classics Are Continental

Mention Massey Ferguson to enthusiast Tom French and a smile immediately lights up his face. Bob Weir went to Cumnock in East Ayrshire, to see the recent additions to his superb collection

- Bob Weir

Tom French is no slouch when it comes to acquiring all things red and grey, and he has been at it now for over 13 years. His collection is one of the best in Scotland and his colourful red transporter has become a familiar sight at tractor shows on both sides of the border.

Although the family business is primarily haulage and open cast mining, Tom comes from a farming background. His recently refurbished depot at Cronberry on the outskirts of Cumnock is located on the original site of the family small holding. He has been interested in old tractors for many years and has been a big fan of Massey Ferguson since he was a boy.

“I suppose it all started when I was a lad,” he explained. “My father had a Ford-Ferguson, which he eventually swapped for a petrol/paraffin T20. I always thought they were great tractors and very reliable.”

Although Tom has always had an eye for a Massey Ferguson, in recent years he has concentrated on acquiring Ruby Reds. He has spread his contacts net far and wide and uses a wide range of sources, including specialist magazines like Classic Massey and Ferguson Enthusiast, auctions and the internet. This has allowed him to pursue his current passion for collecting European models like the 132, 147 and the 1080.

Tom will go to great lengths to secure his prize and son Tom Jnr is also willing to lend a hand. The 1978 Spanish vifiero (vineyard) model is a case in point. The tractor was bought via the internet in October 2010 at a specialist auction in the town of Ocana, a short distance from the capital, Madrid. Tom Jnr drove all the way down to Spain with a trailer and van to bring the tractor back to Scotland, a distance of over 3,000 miles: a sure sign of Tom’s commitment to collecting unusual Massey Fergusons!