Where Cars Meet Culture
Aug 20, 2026
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The Vehicles of D-Day

12 years ago
1 min read
Allied planes prepped for the invasion

Today is the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, D-Day. I was thinking about my last trip to France and just how amazing a feat it was for those young men to have taken those beaches. When you are there looking out over the vast expanse of sand that separates the shoreline from the large gun emplacements where the Nazi’s were so firmly entrenched, it boggles the mind that anyone made it.

So while reflecting on the Greatest Generation I thought I would look up some of the amazing vehicles that made D-Day possible.

Everyone was involved in the war effort (while this photo is earlier in the war, 1940) it shows a young Princess Elizabeth, aged 14, changing the wheel of a British military vehicle. 

US M4 Sherman

The largely unsuccessful DD Sherman tank.boat

Michael Satterfield

Michael Satterfield, founder of The Gentleman Racer, is a storyteller, adventurer, and automotive expert whose work blends cars, travel, and culture. As a member of The Explorers Club, he brings a spirit of discovery to his work, whether uncovering forgotten racing history or embarking on global expeditions. His site has become a go-to destination for car enthusiasts and style aficionados, known for its compelling storytelling and unique perspective. A Texan with a passion for classic cars and motorsports, Michael is also a hands-on restorer, currently working on a 1960s SCCA-spec Formula Super Vee and other project cars. As the head of the Satterfield Group, he consults on branding and marketing for top automotive and lifestyle brands, bringing his deep industry knowledge to every project.

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