A Legacy of Machinery: Mervyn Polzin’s Auction Extravaganza

“It started with one tractor,” reminisced Mervyn Polzin, reflecting on his expansive lifetime collection of tractors, trucks, and farming machinery that went under the hammer this past weekend.

<h2>From Humble Beginnings to a Grand Collection</h2>
<p>Based in Queensland’s Darling Downs, Mr. Polzin has amassed an impressive collection comprising over 60 tractors, a Chevrolet collection, and several Utes and trucks over more than four decades. However, as he enters a new stage in life, he recognized it was time to pass the torch and find new homes for his beloved machines.</p>

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    <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-merv-polzin" class="wp-image-246001 size-medium" src="https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Merv-e1770097749279-331x400.jpg" alt="Merv Polzin" width="331" height="400" />
    <p id="caption-merv-polzin" class="wp-caption-text">Merv Polzin</p>
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<p>“At one point, my brother and I had 100 tractors and around 50 trucks, plus a host of other machines. But there comes a time when you have to bite the bullet and make tough decisions," he shared. Mr. Polzin's call to action was further fueled by personal losses and health challenges. “My brother passed away in July, and following a motorcycle accident that led to breaking nine ribs, I realized it was time to downsize." </p>

<h2>A Unique Auction Experience</h2>
<p>The auction took place at Mr. Polzin’s property near Toowoomba, drawing an impressive crowd of over 800 people.</p>
<p>Wade Hartwig from Hartwig and Bliss Livestock Property Sales described the event as unprecedented, stating, “I have never been to a clearing sale of that size with such a variety of gear. Over 400 bid cards were registered, with buyers coming in from Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and North Queensland." He added, “Among the lots was a tractor that was the first one his parents bought in the 1950s. Collectors were eager to bid on items they had traveled far to see.”</p>

<h2>Giving Back to the Community</h2>
<p>In a selfless act, Mr. Polzin decided that the auction's proceeds would benefit St Andrew’s Hospital in Toowoomba and the Royal Flying Doctors Service. “They need it more than I do. Helping others provides a deeper sense of satisfaction," he said.</p>

<h2>Highlights from the Auction</h2>
<p>Some standout sales included:</p>
<ul>
    <li>Massey Ferguson 35X Tractor: $23,000</li>
    <li>John Deere Model B: $15,000</li>
    <li>Ford 7000 Tractor: $14,000</li>
    <li>Custom C-10 Chevrolet Ute: $27,000</li>
    <li>Chevrolet Lend Lease Truck: $14,000</li>
    <li>GMC 1941 6×6 Truck: $22,500</li>
    <li>German Wagon: $4,750</li>
    <li>GMC Ute: $20,000</li>
</ul>

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        <img decoding="async" src="https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Massey-Ferguson.jpg" alt="Massey Ferguson 35X Tractor" width="100%" />
        <p class="caption-text">Massey Ferguson 35X Tractor. (Supplied by: Hartwig & Bliss Livestock & Property)</p>
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        <img decoding="async" src="https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/John-Deere.jpg" alt="John Deere Model B" width="100%" />
        <p class="caption-text">John Deere Model B. (Supplied by: Hartwig & Bliss Livestock & Property)</p>
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        <p class="caption-text">Crowd at Mervyn Polzin’s Lifetime Collection Auction. (Supplied by: Hartwig & Bliss Livestock & Property)</p>
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