Yes, there are indeed Tiger tanks left today. A limited number of these formidable World War II-era German heavy tanks have survived and are preserved around the world.
The Survival of the Tiger I Tanks
Only a small fraction of the original production run of the Tiger I tank remains. Currently, nine Tiger I tanks are known to exist globally, carefully preserved in various museums and private collections. These surviving examples offer a rare glimpse into the engineering and history of one of the most iconic tanks of the Second World War.
The table below summarizes the key facts about their current status:
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Total Surviving | 9 Tiger I tanks |
Current Locations | Museums and private collections worldwide |
Operational Status | Only one is restored to running order |
Tiger 131: The World's Only Running Tiger
Among the few surviving Tiger I tanks, one stands out for its unique operational status: Tiger 131. This particular tank, captured by the British during the North African campaign, is housed at The Tank Museum in Bovington, UK. As of 2021, Tiger 131 holds the distinction of being the only Tiger I tank in the world that has been meticulously restored to full running order. Its operational capability allows for it to be moved under its own power, providing a truly immersive historical experience for enthusiasts and historians alike. This makes it an incredibly valuable and rare artifact, showcasing the tank's original capabilities.