BRUNSWICK ( NEWS10 ) — When word spread of a tank for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Troy, it was enough to pique the interest of locals and military enthusiasts alike. One of those enthusiasts was Derek Chase, a Vermont resident and former Air Force member, who couldn’t resist checking it out after a friend sent him the listing.
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Carl Cacciotti, the current owner, bought the 1972 Alvis PLC tank back in 2012 with his fellow Marine and friend, Mark Bartholomew. Carl explained the nostalgic pull of owning such a vehicle: “It brings it back… Once you know any Marine, I’ll tell you, it gets in your blood.”
Carl’s passion for military vehicles dates back years, and his collection already includes several Jeeps. He shared how he and Mark had been on the lookout for a track vehicle after Mark suggested it would be “cool.” Sadly, Mark has since passed away, leaving Carl with the tank they purchased together.
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Derek Chase, having spent eight years in the Air Force, is now an avid collector of old military vehicles. After inspecting the tank with Carl, Derek assured him that it would be well taken care of in its new home. Carl was relieved, particularly because tanks like his often get sold to conflict zones abroad, including places like Ukraine. “I don’t want that to happen to this,” Carl stated.
The tank, which gets a modest 2 miles per gallon of diesel, is fully street legal despite its imposing weight. Carl explained how the tank’s tracks are fitted with pads that evenly distribute its weight across the road. “Even though it weighs quite a bit, it’s evenly distributed over the entire 20 feet on both sides,” he said.
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Derek’s plans for the tank, however, involve more joyrides than battlefields. He shared that his first priority is using the tank to fulfill a special wish: “If a kid says he wants to go for a ride in an army tank, I’ll be their first stop for Make-A-Wish,” Derek said, with enthusiasm…