The bridge-laying tank. Photo credit: Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers
Are you fed up with the awful outback roads in your area? Is the low-lying bridge down the road forever under water and impassable? Do you have an urge to do some real rough-and-ready off-roading?
Then all your dreams can come true today (Wednesday), when what is claimed to be the only tank left in the world of its kind that is completely running and operational goes on auction on the Gold Coast.
Auctioneers, Lloyds Auctions, say it is very last operational Centurion MK 7 bridge layer from the Vietnam War and – if you have enough garage space and deep pockets for the huge fuel bill – it can be yours.
The bridge layer, as well as several other tanks that are part of the collection, are owned by an unnamed individual whom Lloyds describe as “a passionate Gold Coast local”.
The person currently operates tank rides for the public, enabling them to learn about Australian war history first-hand and in person.
“We feel honoured to be able to auction such a unique piece of history featuring one of the rarest army tanks, not only in Australia but the world, and we feel responsibility in passing down its history to the next custodians,” said Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctions.
“These tanks have been preserved and cherished by the current custodian, and they will be remembered by their stories that will live on and be told for many generations to come.”
According to the auctioneers, these vehicles are “extremely unique and represent a timepiece in history”. Each comes with its own serial numbers and ARNs that are stamped around the vehicles.
“The War Memorial has records of these vehicles and the ARN has stayed with [them] for life. You can search the ARN and see that particular tank, where it went to and at what time,” said the current custodian of the collection.
“I hope that these machines will be enjoyed by the next custodians, and that they will simply have fun with them and look after them.”
The auction closes at 7pm tonight and if you’d like to follow the bids or make a bid of your own (every home should have at least one bridge-laying tank, you know), you can do so by clicking here.