‘It’s all in memory of dad’–Thurlow Nunn Standen auctions 1971 Massey for Dementia UK
1st October 2025
Agricultural machinery dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen is marking its 150th anniversary with a charity auction of a 1971 Massey Ferguson tractor, restored by the company’s late chairman, John Thurlow.
The classic 1971 Massey Ferguson 135, which holds a special place in the heritage of the dealership, will go under the hammer on Saturday 18th October at Cheffins Machinery Sale ground in Sutton, Cambridgeshire.
James Thurlow, chairman of Thurlow Nunn, said: “The Massey holds an emotional value to our family, as my late father, John Thurlow, renovated it himself. Dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2019 and passed away last year.
“We’ve chosen to fundraise for Dementia UK as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. We’d like the money to be used to fund admiral nurse services online and on the phone so anyone can contact them and get support they and their loved ones need.
“During my father’s illness, we’ve struggled to get an admiral nurse to support the family and especially my mother. They did help us as much as they could, but there is no specialist dementia nurse service available in Suffolk.
“We really appreciate this service, as admiral nurses support families through this gruelling process of seeing someone slip away in front of your eyes. This is why we decided to fundraise for Dementia UK.”
Tractor with significant value for the Thurlow business
Originally sold new by Thurlow Nunn in 1971 to The National Stud, the tractor made its way back to the Thurlow family’s ownership in 2010 when it was purchased by John Thurlow.
Fully refurbished in 2012 by a former employee of the company, this MF 135 is in exceptional condition and stands as a symbol of a significant era in British farming, the company’s team said.
Known for its reliability, versatility, and enduring popularity, the 135 remains one of Massey Ferguson’s most iconic models.
This particular tractor also represents a moment of transformation for the Thurlow business. It was sold during a time of major change, when John Thurlow had just taken over the reins of the family company.
150th anniversary celebrations
Mr Thurlow said he hopes to raise about £20,000 from the Massey Ferguson tractor auction.
He added: “The tractor has got a lovely provenance. It’s only had two owners, with one being my father. It’s been completely refurbished, nut and bolt. I’ve been through the archives and found all the original reg documents, a load of booklets and instruction manuals, as well as original marketing materials to go with it.
“We’ve tried to create a bit of a memory there from that point of view. Cheffins are very kindly giving us the buyer’s premium as well.
“At the end of the day, we’ll be thrilled with whatever we get for it. It’s all in the memory of dad. If it raised a pound, well, that’s a pound more than we had yesterday.”
Thurlow Nunn Standen’s history
The company was founded by George Thurlow in 1875 as a small-scale enterprise in Stowmarket.
John Thurlow, George Thurlow’s great-grandson and James Thurlow’s father, took over the running of the business when his father died in 1968.
In 1970, George Thurlow & Sons Ltd merged with their neighbouring Massey-Ferguson dealer, Frank J Nunn & Sons, to become Thurlow Nunn & Sons Ltd.
15 years later, Thurlow Nunn & Sons Ltd purchased F A Standen & Sons Ltd and formed Thurlow Nunn Standen Ltd.
John Thurlow retired after 65 years’ service in 2020. James Thurlow then became the chairman of Thurlow Nunn (Holdings) Ltd. He also remains managing director of Thurlow Nunn Standen Ltd.
With five branches located across East Anglia, the dealership holds the franchises for Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra tractors and agricultural machinery. The sixth generation of the Thurlow family is now in charge of the business.
Find more info about the Thurlow Nunn’s 150th anniversary auction here.
READ MORE: Thurlow Nunn Standen announced death of its former chairman John Thurlow
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