What makes it work is Cheffins' standing in a small, well-connected world. We know the engines and the people who collect them, which means a seller's engine goes straight to the buyers most likely to want it rather than sitting on an open listing. Willem Middlemiss handles each match himself in confidence, and because the contacts are already there, a deal can come together quickly. A buyer can register what they're after and hear the moment one surfaces.
What the Exchange handles
The Exchange deals in full-size engines: traction engines, showman's road locomotives and tractors, ploughing engines, steam rollers, steam waggons and living vans. The great names appear over time: Fowler, Burrell, Garrett, Sentinel, Aveling & Porter and Ransomes among them. Cheffins also handles live-steam scale models, though those are more often sold at the vintage auctions than the Exchange itself.
Buying and selling through the Exchange
Everything runs through Willem Middlemiss, Cheffins' steam engine consultant. If you're looking for a particular engine, or thinking about selling one, a conversation with Willem is the place to start, whether you're after a valuation or just an informal word about what's around. He can also say when an engine is better suited to the saleroom than a private sale.
Engines sold through the Exchange include a 1920 Garrett 4CD showman's tractor, 'The Leader', and a 1920 John Fowler showman's road locomotive, 'Bertha'.
Engines that go to auction
Some engines are better placed in a sale, and those can go into the Cambridge Vintage Sales, where steam features alongside the vintage tractors, classic cars and commercials three times a year at Sutton, near Ely, with a fourth sale at Harrogate. Willem can talk through which route fits a particular engine.
Steam engine FAQs
Where can I buy a steam engine in the UK?
Through the Steam Engine Exchange, Cheffins' private-treaty service, or at the Cambridge Vintage Sales when engines are entered there. The best starting point is a word with Willem Middlemiss.
How do I sell my steam engine through Cheffins?
Speak to Willem Middlemiss. Depending on the engine, it can be sold privately through the Exchange or entered into a Cambridge Vintage Sale, and Cheffins can value it either way.
What types of steam engines does Cheffins handle?
Full-size traction engines, showman's road locomotives and tractors, ploughing engines, steam rollers, steam waggons and living vans, from builders such as Fowler, Burrell, Garrett, Sentinel, Aveling & Porter and Ransomes. Live-steam scale models are handled too, usually through the vintage auctions.
When can I buy a steam engine at Cheffins?
The Exchange runs year-round rather than to a sale date, so engines come and go at any time. Those entered into the Cambridge Vintage Sales appear in the relevant catalogues throughout the year.
Contact
To buy or sell a steam engine, contact Willem Middlemiss, Steam Engine Consultant, on 07801 229129, or call the vintage team on 01353 777767 (option 2).