If, when Doug and Marilyn Wither's collection of vintage tractors, trucks and classic cars goes under the hammer on Saturday, the odd one does not sell, Mr Wither sheepishly admits he will not be too disappointed.
The Maungatua farmer has collected vintage tractors and other machinery for as long as he has had an interest in machinery, a period of more than 50 years.
"Right from when I was a little kid, I was interested in mechanical things.
"My dad was, too. I probably just followed in his footsteps."
Mr Wither (64) has lived within 5km of Hollybrook, the farm at Maungatua which he owns with his wife, Marilyn, his whole life and has collected bits of machinery for much of that time.
Hollybrook used to be 90ha but is now just 15ha, most of which is leased to a neighbour while the couple concentrate on their refrigerated transport business.
Mr Wither has more than a dozen operational tractors and more waiting to be repaired.
He has at least 10 classic cars as well as trucks and other odds and ends of machinery.
Until about a year ago, he would spend two to three hours a day tinkering with the machines in the red sheds that cover his property.
"I have had a few health problems so I haven't done much tinkering in the last year.
"They are better in someone else's hands."
The oldest tractor he owns is a 1925 Fordson, in original working condition, while the oldest car is a 1938 Dodge, which is similar to the car in which he first sat his driver's licence.
His favourite tractor is a 1937 Fordson, which is a Wither family heirloom.
It was used at Hollybrook by his great-uncle and is in restored, working condition.
Mr Wither said he had not dared to add up the invoices of what he had spent on his hobby over the years, and he did not know what had kept him interested for so long.
"That is the question I don't have an answer for.
"Like any other addiction, you start off and it just grows like topsy."
"I'm philosophical about [selling the collection] now, but it took a lot of motivation to get it all ready for sale, even after we had spoken to the auctioneer."
The family is keeping about six cars.
"It's just life," he said.
The clearing sale will be held at Hollybrook, Maungatua, on Saturday from 11am.
