"I’ve been collecting since I fell out of the pram," he said.
But today all of that changes as the Oamaru man auctions off more than 1100 items from his personal historic collection.
While he would not reveal his age, Mr Allan said he had been seriously collecting since he was about 10 years old.
From tractors, petrol bowsers, gramophones, radios, machinery and telephones — it appears there was nothing he had not held on to.
He even won best in show for seven years straight at the New Zealand Agricultural Show for his vintage tool display.
"I’ve just been a collector all my life, I suppose. It’s the people you meet, and you just carry on, and on."
There was no set reason for him selling the items, but the two-day event garnered national attention with people contracting Proctors Auctions from Auckland.
Proctors Auctions manager Ronnie Proctor said it was a large and interesting collection, with several one off items.
"It’s one gentleman’s lifelong collections. There’s a lot of history here that a lot of people will recognise," Mr Proctor said.
"There’s not a lot of this kind of stuff."
The auction, in Parsons Rd, Weston, would go ahead no matter the alert level, and organisers spoke to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to ensure everyone’s safety.
"As long as we’ve got defined spaces with 100 people per space, we’ll be fine. We’ve got quite a few volunteers that will help us through that."
There was also an app, and people could register online to bid.
While Mr Allan was letting most of his collection move on, there could still be more to come.
"I’ve hardly been in the North Island, I haven’t cleaned it out yet.
"I might have to start going to garage sales to fill in some time," Mr Allan said.
