The Littlefield Collection
Offered by Auctions America | Portola Valley, California | July 11-12, 2014
1944 Nibelungenwerke Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. H
Photo – Auctions America
The Panzer IV was one of the most popular German tanks during the Second World War. It was the most produced as well. They were manufactured by Krupp, Vomag, and Nibelungenwerke – which would become Steyr-Daimler-Puch after the war. So this one was built in Austria. About 8,553 were built between 1936 and 1945.
The engine is a 296 horsepower Maybach V-12 that can push this thing to 26 mph. Used by Czechoslovakia after the war, they sold it to Syria. It was captured by Israel in 1967 and the museum got it in 2003. It is all-original and needs to be restored. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap: the estimate is between $2,000,000-$2,400,000. Click here for more.
Update: Not sold, high bid of $1,750,000.
ca.1939 Krauss-Maffei Sd.Kfz. 7
Photo – Auctions America
German half-tracks are some of the most sought-after military vehicles from WWII. The Sd.Kfz. 7 is one of the highlights. These were built between 1938 and 1944, with a total production of 12,187 between Krauss-Maffei, Borgward, and Sauserwerke. Breda also built 250 of them in Italy. The engine is a 140 horsepower Maybach straight-six. It seats 11 and can do 31 mph. This was used in Czechoslovakia after the war and was restored in the late-1990s. The price shows how sought-after they are: between $900,000-$1,200,000. Click here for more info.
Update: Sold $1,207,500.
1944 Fisher Tank Arsenal M4A3E2 Jumbo Sherman
Photo – Auctions America
The M4 Sherman was the United States’ primary tank for a duration of World War II. They were produced in big numbers and saw hell on the battlefield. The Jumbo Sherman was built in 1944 by Fisher Tank Arsenal (the same Fisher that built bodies for GM). Only 254 of this model were built – making them super rare today. Only 7 or 8 remain. The engine is a Ford V-8 making 450 horsepower. The armor is thick and the guns were strong, which made them really popular with soldiers during the war and collectors today. This one, with only a partial restoration, could bring between $1,400,000-$1,600,000. Click here for more info.
Update: Not sold, high bid of $800,000.
1945 FMC LVT (A)-5
Photo – Auctions America
LVTs (or Landing Vehicle Tracked) were badass amphibious landing crafts first used by U.S. troops in 1941. They were a development of a civilian vehicle called the Roebling Alligator from 1935. This thing is unrestored and is one of about three left in the world (then again, only 269 of this specific type (the (A)-5) were produced). It is powered by a 250 horsepower seven-cylinder radial engine (bizarre, right?). These were modified after WWII and used again in Korea, but retired in 1957. Estimate: $300,000-$500,000. Check out more here.
Update: Not sold, high bid of $375,000.
ca.1954 GAZ-46
Photo – Auctions America
Here’s something a little more affordable. The GAZ-46 is another amphibious vehicle, but on a slightly smaller scale (I’d bet this could fit inside the LTV above). Built between 1954 and 1958, these “Mini Ducks” uses a 2.1-liter straight-four making 55 horsepower. This car-err… truck- I mean… um… vehicle was basically a copy of a Ford design but based on a GAZ jeep. This example is described as having been freshened recently “though the brakes are not functional.” Which is hilarious. You can bu it for between $50,000-$75,000. Read more here and see the full lot list here.
Update: Sold $92,000.