Army VAI tractor prices?

DBlover · Sep 23, 2021

I collect WW2 and Korea US Army vehicles and equipment. Last weekend, a non-running VAI came up for auction. It was not seized, but nothing was known of its history. It had the Detroit mower setup. The US Army data plate was present. Engine spun smoothly. Gas tank was lined with something grey colored that was comming off showing lots of rust pitting. O.d.paint was under peeling yellow aint. Rear tires had almost no wear, but dry and cracking. Hood, especially the front section, was very rotten. Radiator held coolant and engine oil looked ok.

I saw a pretting running Cub low boy with 2 mowers and snow plow sell for $900 just before the VAI came up.

I know of 2 VAC tractors with nice paint, decent tires, and running for sale offered at $900-1100 for more than a month w/o selling, so I figured the VAI would sell for $300-400 max. Wrong. Sold for $750.

Are the military VAI tractors that much in demand or the attached mower/completeness helped?

J Hamilton · Sep 23, 2021

Did you buy it? Not many of those on the market for sale

John Saeli · Sep 23, 2021

There were VAI Tractors, SI Tractors, LAI Tractors and the VAI Tug used by our military. All desirable to collectors. How about a 1943 WHITE 6 Ton 6X6 Prime Mover? How rare are those?

DBlover · Sep 23, 2021

I prefer AC tractors, but the VAI was interesting b/c I could bring it to both tractor and military vehicles shows and its road gear (19mph stated max speed) met 14mph req for tractor parades.

Did I buy it? No. It seemed too $$$ for what was there.

tomturkey · Sep 23, 2021

auctions can be very peculiar, was biding on a steelwheeled 2-14 case plow. With about 7 minutes left on the online only clock, the bid was mine. Obviously two very energetic bidders took that plow up another 240$ in the next 11 minutes ending at 275. Never can judge what something MIGHT bring by something else similar. BTWthat was too rich forme. gobble

DBlover · Sep 23, 2021

Rare does not always equate with more valuable.

Likewise, bigger does not always mean worth more. Bigger stuff take more space to store, harder to move, larger tools, and fewer people interested in them b/c logistics. I.e. Respective Farmall cub vs Farmall H prices.

chuck machinist · Sep 23, 2021

At 275 ,if the bottoms were in good shape, that would be a fair price. How ,many acres would you be turning? How did you make out on the DC-3?

tomturkey · Sep 23, 2021

Chuck, the new gaskets have not arrived from Saeli. I just thought a Case plow might decide to push a Case tractor around a few acres here that need refurbished. I have a JD 3 bottom that works with the 401, but wanted to try the VAC or SC or 351 on a trip two bottom. gobble

BarryfromIA · Sep 23, 2021

Tomturkey are you looking for a centennial 2-16 plow?

John Saeli · Sep 25, 2021

I agree bigger does not always mean more valuable, but Rare always means more valuable. A true Military Vehicle Collector would know the story of the WW2 6 Ton 6X6 and not take it lightly. Very few exist.

Army VAI tractor prices?

DBlover

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J Hamilton

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John Saeli

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DBlover

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tomturkey

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DBlover

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chuck machinist

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tomturkey

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BarryfromIA

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John Saeli

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