Issue date: September 30, 1998

Don't panic over missile, says Portola Valley collector Don't panic over missile, says Portola Valley collector (September 30, 1998)

Fear not, Almanac readers. Portola Valley resident Jacques Littlefield assures The Almanac that he never intended to purchase a live Scud missile, is not a terrorist, and is working with U.S officials t figure out why the weapon was not properly disarmed.

Mr. Littlefield, well known for his huge collection of tanks and other military vehicles, purchased a pair of Eastern European Scud missiles, complete with launchers, from an English dealer. The first arrived successfully about six weeks ago, but the second apparently wasn't dismantled according to American protocols, he said.

Mr. Littlefield says he's interested in the historic value of the Scud missiles, which achieved some celebrity during the Gulf War.

While the idea of a live missile in Portola Valley has garnered a lot of media attention, Mr. Littlefield, an enthusiast of all things mechanical, says he's much more interested in the missile's launcher than in the missile itself.

"It's a really neat truck," Mr. Littlefield says. "It's about the size of a bus, with lots of gauges and buttons."