RFI is reporting that the planned auction of military vehicles and artifacts at the Normandy Tank Museum took place this weekend. A M4 Sherman tank was sold for 280,000 euros and an M5 Stuart was sold for 230,000 euros. A German WW2 era side car equipped motorcycle fetched a price of 130,000 euros, significantly higher than the 45,000 maximum price established prior to the auction. The Normandy Tank Museum had been open for three years and was owned by a 67 year old former Air France pilot and collector of militaria named Patrick Nerrant. Reasons for the closing of the museum included a decline in tourism and problems with the economy.
Correction: We found a full list of items and prices and it appears the numbers reported in the RFI article are not correct. Here is the full list:
1 défense anti-aérienne 1500
2 Pilote de Chasse 2500
3 Pilote de P47 3500
4 ensemble pilote Briefings 3400
5 officier pilote 1500 [Read more…]
Classic Cars.com is reporting
The sale will be presented in 120 lots, including tanks, armored vehicles, trucks, autos, bikes and airplanes from the various belligerents of WW2. The highlights of the auction include a M4 Sherman tank (105mm gun), M24 Chaffee light tank, Willys Jeep, Flak 36 88mm gun, M8 Greyhound, M5 Stuart light tank, M3A1 Stuart, LVT-4, M7 Priest, M3A1 Scout car, GMC DUKW, and others. For a full list of the items for sale, check out the Artcurial Motorcars
Interestingly, no mention is made in the auction press release of the Panzer IV tank that was part of this museum. Based on the price that other German WW2 tanks have garnered at auction, it’s safe to say the Panzer IV is the most valuable vehicle at the Normandy Tank Museum. A similar vehicle that was part of the Littlefield collection went to 