The Swiss Pz61 has been described as one of the finest tanks ever developed for a country’s military. The Pz61 entered service in 1965 and featured a licensed built British rifled L7 105mm main gun, along with a coaxial and roof mounted 7.62mm machine gun. Only 150 were manufactured by RUAG Land Systems. The Pz61 features cutting edge technology for the era, powered by a Mercedes Benz MTU MB-837 V8 diesel engine, generating 630 HP, a diesel pony engine for power when the main engine was off, and it actually featured paddle shifters for the driver and was steered via a yoke, not the traditional sticks of the era. The turret featured 120mm thick armor and a single cast hull, which featured a unique suspension system using Belleville washers. The quality of this tank’s construction is something only the Swiss can accomplish, with an extreme attention to detail, leather padding protects the crew from hatches, and the interior is bright and open. This Pz61 is just as it was purchased from Swiss military reserves, with the full crew kit in the side bins. The accessories include the all-important turret hatch key, shovel, axe, sledgehammer, pick, three signal flags (red, green, and yellow), flashlight with red and green shades (includes additional battery), red/green light, foldable safety triangle, 21 assorted light bulbs in case, plastic funnel, oiler, 12 assorted canisters of oil, two containers of grease, wooden ramrod with four assorted attachments, rope, jack, track spikes, six track pins, leather pair of gloves, collapsible canvas bucket, turret key, muzzle cover, electric generator cord, and an assortment of tools. It also has inert 105mm rounds in the rack. The tank was originally purchased by Jacques Littlefield out of Swiss reserve storage inside a mountain fortress and enjoyed many years of valued ownership in his collection. Most of the internet pictures showing the Pz61 are actually of this tank and were taken when in Jacques collection and in the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation. The Pz61 was purchased directly from MVTF before the famous auction.

Excellent as released from the Swiss military. The 105 mm main gun is demilled. The tank runs and drives well. This Pz61 will be a valued addition to any armor collection!