Why are some men not playing golf or lounging by the pool after a hard day’s work? It’s because they’ve found a new way to unwind, one that’s far more radical than sports cars, speedboats, or mega yachts. These tycoons are investing millions into their newfound passion: collecting military hardware, including tanks, guns, and even Scud missiles.
Owning a tank might seem unimaginable to most, but for these enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling and perfectly legal hobby. Brett Mullins, an entrepreneur from Texas, is one such individual. His company restores and sells military vehicles, which he finds not just a business but a passion. From a boyhood interest that began at 14, Brett’s collection now boasts vehicles worth over a million dollars. His prized piece? An M18 Hellcat tank destroyer from the former Yugoslavia.
Restoring these massive pieces of machinery is no small feat. Brett spends years on each vehicle, referencing his library of 30,000 tank manuals to get every detail perfect. When he’s not restoring, he’s testing them on his private land, enjoying the sheer thrill of firing their guns.
Brett isn’t alone in this unique hobby. Jacques Littlefield, a billionaire, owns the world’s largest collection of tanks. Residing on a 500-acre estate near San Francisco, Jacques manages the family investments and indulges his passion for these war machines. His collection started with a single M5A1 Stuart tank and has now expanded to over 215 military vehicles, including the most sophisticated tanks like the M60A1.
Jacques’ enthusiasm extends beyond just collecting; he is deeply invested in the technology and engineering of each vehicle. His collection is famed not just for its size but its meticulous organization and the high value placed on every piece. With a massive diesel engine and advanced hydraulics, his tanks are engineering marvels.
The world of tank collectors isn’t limited to the United States. In the UK, Simon Blagdon, an eccentric multimillionaire, spent a fortune to purchase a Scorpion tank. Unlike the US, it’s legal to drive such vehicles on British roads with the proper license. Simon, an ex-soldier, once drove his tank from the UK to his chateau in France, stopping to lay wreaths at major war monuments along the way. His journey wasn’t just for fun; it raised $27,000 for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
In Fort Knox, Kentucky, some tank enthusiasts prefer mock battles to rounds of golf. John Shoop and his fellow hobbyists reenact World War II battles, complete with nearly 300 participants and ten armored vehicles. The thrill for John isn’t just driving the tanks, but the authenticity of the battle experience.
Fred Roepke, an ex-tank commander from the Korean War, also shares this passion. He calls his estate, home to numerous military vehicles, including his favorite M26 Pershing tank. For Fred, these aren’t just collectibles; they are pieces of history and reminders of his service.
And then there’s Hollywood, where the Villas brothers have been supplying tanks for movies for over 30 years. Their collection includes tanks used in iconic films like “Rambo 3” and “Red Dawn.” They’re not only collectors but also builders, constructing realistic tanks for the silver screen.
Collecting tanks might seem an eccentric hobby, but for these passionate individuals, it represents a unique blend of history, engineering, and sheer exhilaration. For them, tanks are the ultimate tycoon toys.
