Jacques Littlefield, tank collector, dies

SFGate ^ | 1-13-09 | Carolyn Jones

[dynachrome]

A jewel in his collection is the German Panzer V Panther tank that the German army sank in a Polish river during World War II to keep it from the advancing Russians. The Panther sat submerged for decades, and Mr. Littlefield acquired it five years ago and began restoring it.

"Restoration is very satisfying, especially with something like the Panther," Mr. Littlefield said in a 2007 interview with The Chronicle. "People say: 'You'll never get that thing running again.' Well, it was built once, and we can do it again."

[dynachrome]

[Trajan88]

If I had a tank... I'd drive it to work at least one day per week... to get back at all the aggressive-angry drivers here in north Texas (Plano to be exact).

GET OUT OF MY WAY MINIONS.

[omega4179]

The world needs Xers interested in history to take over various collections, museum work, and museums.

[MeanWestTexan]

The following is a clip of Trajan88 driving to work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vESIVemfG8

[Deaf Smith]

There’s a guy in Arlington who drives his small, wheeled tank to UTA.

[cripplecreek]

We’ve convinced my grandmother to take part in a local project to collect an oral history of WWII from the first person perspective. Apparently she’s one of the few women who are taking part.

Hers will be about her time in the WAVES and the stateside veiw.

[river rat]

This gentleman was a dedicated collector and restorer...

His ranch was just a few minutes away - and he opened it frequently to allow guests a pleasant experience to get up close and personal with some fine machinery.....

He spared no cost in his restorations, nor compromised his desire for quality in his restorations.

He was a gentle and gracious man - who made visitors welcome.

He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

[SFC Chromey]

In my days of Scouting, I had several friends see the collection of tanks in Portola Valley. I never got out there, but I hope these make it to a museum that allows people to climb and operate them! These are engineering masterpieces originally and refurbished.

[BillyA]

A great man.

RIP, Jacques.

[dynachrome]

Buy a Stuart tank (and more!) here:

http://www.armyjeeps.net/armor1.htm

[norton]

It would be nice to know you'd jammed all that stuff into any lifetime:
Remarkable to see it done in 59 years.

(Yes, it is clear that he was not born poor; so what - he used his time and money well.)

[dynachrome]

“He will be missed. May he rest in peace”

I hope his collection is kept together and treated with the respect it deserves

[Trajan88]

Guilty as charged... for the record, I fire off the gun rather than use the horn ;-)

[MAD-AS-HELL]

So instead of a 21 gun salute, he will be honored with a 200 tank salute. May he RIP. And yes, I’d love to go visit those tanks. Hopefully they will open it up to the public.

[river rat]

His condition was known for some time..
He employed a staff of mechanical geniuses and formed a Foundation to look after the ranch and collection....

I suspect they will continue if the surviving family is not opposed...

[PzLdr]

Mr. Littlefield’s works were featured on the “Military Channel” in a series about tank restorations. I saw trhe one they did on his Panther.

[mcshot]

I was just telling the wifee I had watched this guy recover restore this tank on the History channel.

[xsrdx]

You know this guy?

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[robomatik]

in cincinnati, we have a jacques wannabe -and he has used what he is equipped with.

john coyne