The Normandy Tank Museum opened to much fanfare back in 2013, hoping to attract the tourists who visited the D-Day landing site at Utah beach. Located just a few miles away in Catz, the museum's collection featured 40 armored vehicles, thousands of military items used during World War II and dozens of mannequins in full battle dress.
Owner Stephane Nerrant, who used his father's collection as the basis for the museum's exhibits, blames recent terror attacks in France for keeping tourists away. Gas shortages caused by striking refinery workers in May and June may have been the final nail in the business coffin. The museum also offered tank rides and helicopter flights over the battle site.
Nerrant has decided to close the museum and offer its collection for sale in a September 18th auction that will be run by Paris-based auction firm Artcurial. You can see a full list of the gear on offer at their website.
Here are a few highlights from the list:
- 1944 M4 Sherman tank (sale estimate: $280,000 to $450,000)
- 1943 Jeep Willys MB (sale estimate: $17,000 to $28,000)
- 1943 M26 Pacific tank (sale estimate: $34,000 to $56,000)
- 1943 Harley Davidson WLA (sale estimate:$17,000 to $28,000)
