Tanks, other historical military vehicles to be auctioned off

More than 100 tanks and other machinery from what could be one of the largest and most significant collections of historical military vehicles will be auctioned off over the course of two days in San Mateo County.

The private collection, amassed by Silicon Valley manufacturing engineer Jacques M. Littlefield, is being offered for the first time to the public and features a 50-ton self-propelled gun and an 8-ton half track used in World War II, according to Auctions America, which is organizing the sale.

The vehicles were part of the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation housed at his Pony Tracks Ranch, which boasts many restored, rare and unique armored vehicles, accessories and artillery pieces representing weapons used during 20th century combat.

After his death, Littlefield’s family donated the collection to the educational nonprofit Collings Foundation.

To honor Littlefield, the foundation plans to house more than 80 historical vehicles and artifacts from his collection in a 69,000-square-foot facility.

The portion being auctioned off will help raise funds for the facility and feature five of Littlefield’s “rarest collectible vehicles in military vehicles in existence,” according to the auction website.

Bidding was to start at 11 a.m. Friday at the Littlefield’s foundation, 99 Old Spanish Trail in Portola Valley and continue through Saturday.

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