Two German-built tanks will be attending the world’s biggest display of historic moving armour this coming June. Nicknamed the Nashorn “Phoenix” after restoration was delayed by a devastating fire, a World War II-era German “Tank Hunter” will be running for the first time in the United Kingdom at TANKFEST 2026.
Following the widely reported disappointment from 2023, where it was halted and impounded by French customs at Dunkirk, the Nashorn will be heading to Dorset from the Netherlands. Owned and returned to running condition by the Nashorn Restoration Project, it’s one of just three in existence – and the only one that can still be driven.
Based on the Panzer IV and Panzer III chassis, it’s thought this Nashorn had been the victim of an aircraft ground attack, due to the damage found on the parts. It was restored to driving condition, but disaster struck when a fire burnt down the workshop in 2019, causing extreme damage to the vehicle.
This was a heart-breaking setback for the team.
The dedicated team, led by project leader Robby van Sambeek, were determined to continue with the restoration and launched a fundraising campaign to bring the Nashorn back from the ashes. With donations from the tank community and wider help from the international community of military vehicle restorers, museums and historians, the Nashorn has risen again.
The Nashorn will be joined at TANKFEST 2026 by the Leopard 2A4, courtesy of the Royal Netherlands Army. The Leopard 2 is a German-built Main Battle Tank (MBT), and it’s currently in frontline service with numerous North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies. It’s prized for its firepower and excellent mobility.
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The annual event, which this year runs from June 26-28, features three days of live tank displays, mock battles, living history and much more, with over 20,000 people travelling worldwide to attend. Tickets are on sale now via tankfest.com, and pre-booking is essential.