On November 13, Military Classic Auction and Rois & Vauprès are organizing an auction of military vehicles and accessories. Citroën C4s, including a rare gasifier version, Jeep Willys, Tatra, Hotchkiss and even light armored vehicles are available.
Notice to fans of vehicles and other military accessories. On November 13, at Grandcamp-Maisy near Bayeux (14), nearly 300 lots having been used by French, British or American armed forces will be auctioned. The sale entitled ” 1940-1945, from the Occupation to the Liberation »Has about ten vehicles, cars and motorcycles to discover in this new slideshow Argus.
>> Vehicles and objects from the sale of the Occupation to the Liberation <<
Passenger vehicles …
The sale offered by the Military Classic Auction and Rois & Vauprès houses highlights three vehicles that were used by the populations under the Occupation. Two are French, they are Citroën C4. Each model has a unique story. One was concealed during the German occupation, so as not to be requisitioned. Used after the war by its owner, on his death in 1979, it was stored in a barn. Forgotten, it was not rediscovered until the summer of 2021.
The other model is a rare Gazogene version. To compensate for the lack of fuel during the war, “Gohin & Poulenc” developed a process allowing the gas emitted by the combustion of wood or charcoal to be used to supply the engine with energy. Equipped as an accessory with this device after its purchase in 1933, the vehicle has retained its installation. It also kept some peculiarities linked to its time such as the Passive Defense lighthouse which allowed it to circulate at night without being spotted by fighter bombers. The sale also includes a Morris 8.
… and military devices!
Of the many vehicles on offer, there are a major part of military vehicles. They come in part from a collection of a French enthusiast: Michel Poulain. Passionate about the Second World War, and more particularly the vehicles of the French Army, he began his collection in 1990. Juntil disappearance in November 2020, he was keen to run his machines in demonstrations and took special care. Among the vehicles on sale, there is a 1939 Latil M7T1 with its stocky look and bluffing off-road capabilities or an astonishing 6-wheeled Hotchkiss W15T. Jeeps Willys, Dodge and GMC, star of the US Army, are also on display. There’s even a fire engine and a Ford light armored vehicle, still functional according to the auction house!
The sale also offers auto parts and a wide selection of accessories ranging from clothing to gas masks, including bicycles, fuel pump, bags, bowls …
Practical information
Auction – “1940-1945, From the Occupation to the Liberation”
Date: November 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Military Classic Center – 14450 Grandcamp-Maisy
Public exhibition:
- Thursday November 11: 10-12 a.m. / 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday November 12: 10-12 a.m. / 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday November 13: 10-12 a.m.
