Imagine a farm where cows graze alongside a staggering collection of over 200 vintage tractors—a testament to one man’s lifelong passion. But here’s where it gets emotional: Tony Forrest, a Victorian farmer from Ripplebrook in Gippsland, is now preparing to auction off this extraordinary legacy, inherited from his late father, Tony Sr. This isn’t just about machinery; it’s about memories, history, and the bittersweet act of letting go.
Tony’s fascination with all things mechanical began in childhood. ‘Anything older than me caught my eye,’ he recalls, from tractors and stationary engines to cars, trucks, and even petrol bowsers. This shared love for vintage machinery bonded him and his father for decades. While Tony Sr. focused on bulldozers—amassing over 150 by the 1980s—Tony Jr. developed a particular fondness for tractors. Together, they scoured Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, buying and selling iconic brands like John Deere, Massey Ferguson, and Ford. ‘I caught the collecting bug early,’ Tony admits. His passion escalated to importing rare models from the U.S., England, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, creating a collection that’s now in high demand overseas.
And this is the part most people miss: Tony’s preference for older tractors isn’t just nostalgia. ‘Antique models don’t have computers,’ he explains. ‘You don’t need to be a tech whiz to fix them, and they’re often more reliable.’ Yet, he acknowledges the fine line between collecting and hoarding. ‘I’ve lost count of how many I have,’ he admits. Among his treasures are a 1954 Ferrari tractor—one of only 13 ever built—and a 1937 Vierzon, a French replica of the Lanz Bulldog. ‘I love all my Bulldogs,’ he says with a smile.
After his father’s passing in 2018, Tony’s priorities shifted. Taking over the family’s 226-acre dairy farm, he realized the impracticality of maintaining such a vast collection. ‘There’s no point letting them rust away,’ he reflects. ‘Someone else could restore and enjoy them.’ The decision to sell wasn’t easy. ‘It tugs at the heartstrings,’ he admits. While some tractors are already up for auction, others remain tucked away in his shed, too sentimental to part with—at least for now. A larger auction is planned for May 2026, but Tony knows this process will take time.
Here’s the controversial question: Is letting go of such a cherished collection a betrayal of its legacy, or a necessary step to honor it? Tony’s story invites us to ponder the balance between preserving the past and making space for the future. What would you do if faced with such a decision? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
