14 DAY TRIAL // Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded the Redmond software empire Microsoft a long time ago, but even though they are not involved so much in the company’s business these days, they still make the headlines every once in a while thanks to their philanthropic work.
This time, a Paul Allen company is filling a lawsuit because of a World War II tank that Microsoft’s co-founder won at auction but never received.
The story comes via the Seattle Times, which also reports that the lawsuit was filed by Allen’s company Vulcan Warbird, which wants the Panzer IV tank in order to lease it to the Flying Heritage Collection, a museum that has on display several historical military aircraft and vehicles in Everett.
Allen purchased the tank for $2.5 million
Here’s the story so far: Paul Allen participated at an auction organized by Auctions America and bought the German tank for $2.5 million (1.9 million euro) from Collings Foundation, the current owner of the vehicle who in its turn got it from the family of engineer Jacques Littlefield.
Allen’s company says that after winning the tank at auction, it transferred the money to Auctions America and waited for the tank to be shipped to Paul’s door. But that never happened, they say, so they’re now moving the dispute to the court to get their tank back.
Collings America, on the other hand, says that the tank has never been sold because the auction was only supposed to raise $10 million (7.3 million euros) for a military vehicle museum. Which it did, so Paul’s money weren’t needed. The company claims the $2.5 million transfer was wired back to the original account.
Used by the Germans during WWII
In more technology-related news, Paul’s tank was designed in 1936 and used by the Germans in World War II. It had a weight of 25 tones and allowed for 5 people to get inside, namely a commander, a gunner, a loader, a driver, and a radio operator or a machine gunner. The tank used 88mm armor and reinforced skirts for additional protection.
As far as the engine is concerned, it featured a 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120 TRM V12 engine that generated 296 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 42 km/h (26 mph) and 16 km/h (9.9 mph) in off-road mode.
It was one of the most successful tanks ever produced by the Germans, with many other countries across the world buying them not only before, but also after World War II. Spain, France, Syria, and Romania all purchased the tank after the war ended.
