8N Sale with Original Papers

You need to check the laws in your state that pertain to auctions. In some states, but not all, anything mentioned by the auctioneer becomes 'attached' to the merchandise. If it is not there, it may constitute misrepresentation by the auctioneer.

For example, if you were bidding on a '57 Chevy BelAir, and the bidding was stuck at $25K, but then the auctioneer announced that the car has factory air or factory fuel injection, I would not be surprised to see the bidding go up another $5k-$15K. However, if you opened it up and found no air conditioning or fuel injection, it was clearly misrepresented.

Paperwork for vehicles is a little misleading. However, with some vehicles, very meticulous maintenance (and written proof that it was performed) does drive the value, because it affects the purchaser's ability to use it. If you don't believe it, just ask a Mercedes dealer the value of a mid-80's 500 coupe with papers, showing major maintenance, vs. the same car with no documentation.

I've gone to auctions where the auctioneer says the car being sold for $20K would bring $35K in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. Is that a guarantee that I can buy it for 20 and sell it for 35? Probably not. But, they LOVE to hype up the product to push the price. I've also seen them accept a price then banter a higher price. For example, they get $10K in real money (a bid) and then yell "12, 12 five, 13, 13 five, do I have 14?" while pointing around the room, when they actually didn't have any other real bid over 10. They call it "advancing the bid." I always tell them do NOT do that when they are auctioning anything for me. I believe they can scare off a bidder that way.

As for a 50+ year old tractor, the value of the documents is likely to be more sentimental or ornamental than functional. That is where you get into a gray area when determining value. Since you are talking about 13% of the value of the tractor ($3000 vs. $3400) I think you have another gray area. If you were talking a 50% increase in price, it is more of a concern.

I would press the owner and the auctioneer to produce the promised papers, to a reasonable extend possible. If they don't, $400 isn't worth going to court over. Just chalk it up to one of life's lessons, and go enjoy your tractor. The lesson to be learned is, if you don't see it at the auction, assume it doesn't exist.

Joe

If I interpreted your post correctly, you fell that you are due some consolation/refund on your purchase because the original papers the auctioneer mentioned (sales pitch that worked) are suddenly unavailable. I agree with you. The question is, as you mentioned, how much are the papers worth?

The other comments you have gotten are good and I will offer my .02.

In terms of value, the pedigree makes a big difference regarding registered animals and such. In many states a vehicle must have a certificate or title regardless of how old it is. I think the auctioneer owes you something.

Perhaps the best idea is to do as someone else has mentioned, get an average estimate of the value of an 8N in good condition and subtract the difference or ask the auction company for a complete refund, or accept your purchase as is and be happy.

Best regards,

Rick H. Ga.

• Smith's

Assuming the auctioneer has a license or reputation or both to protect he/she should be willing to no sale this since the goods were clearly misrepresented.

Only way I can see to come up with a value is to take the value of a generic 8n in good condition and subtract it from what you paid. Although subject to geography 8n's in "good" condition usually bring from twenty five hundred to three thousand. Machinery Link which claims to annually average auction prices gives $2646 for a good condition '49 model. You can also check on the left of this board under research and info for other prices.

Hope this helps

Your mileage may vary

Did ya gitt skinned? donnno. Ya went to the auction lookin' fer a tractor. That ol'auctioneer is a real student of human emotions. Ya wanted a tractor, and ya was gonna gittcha one, and ya gottcha one. Why are you complaining? Can ya turn righta round and resellitt for what ya paid fer itt? Probably NOT. But you can resellitt. Allotta old tractors can't even be resold except at auction to tractor neubies, or collectors that really do know the value of a tractor.

But heres the real deal. The N-Tractor will do alotta work for you. And you've gott over 400 3-point N-Implements to amaze yerselves with. Parts are reasonably available for a 60 yr old tractor and reasonably priced. They were designed for horsefarmers and you can operate a computer. BEWARE of buyers remorse..... ....N-joy, Dell

oslo in nc