The great financial depression of 1929-1930 which struck Germany hard was initially harmful with the concerning ambitious projects the vehicles armoured with several driving wheels. Nevertheless in 1929 an order of a truck with 6 wheels had placed. Magirus proposed M206, Büssing-NAG G31 and Daimler-Benz G3. This truck was to be able to be equipped with an armoured hull and to replace the 6-8 and 10 wheels from now on abandoned. In 1929, Daimler-Benz built a chassis improved of sound very successful G3, G3a which will be used to work out the prototype of an armoured car with armoured hull with cut sides. A double front and rear direction was required but the machine was organized like a commercial truck with the engine (gasoline with water cooling) in front with rear axles transmission . The direction is made by means of a wheel in the front compartment even if it is possible to direct the vehicle starting from the rear compartment. The hull with many angles reproduces the lines of a car. A small turret equipped with a MG34 surmounted the machine. The chassis weighed 2,200 kg and the hull 2,300 kg what imposed tires of great dimension. The gear box comprises 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed.

schwere Panzerspähwagen 231 (6-rad) during the campaign of 1940 in Western Europe.

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire (Hachette), n°5 - Août-Septembre 1978, Véhicules blindés allemands 39-45

The first vehicles based on G-3 will be delivered in 1932 by Daimler-Benz whereas Büssing-NAG delivers 12 outside identical vehicles the following year. These vehicles will be indicated like: " Schwerer Panzespähwagen (sPz Spw) Sd.Kfz.231 put Fahrgestell of Leichter Geländgängiger Lastkraftwagen (O) " (standard heavy armoured reconnaissance vehicle 231 on light any ground truck chassis (commercial)). The suspension was ensured by semi-elliptic springs. Rubber trackss or chains could be installed on the rear wheel-axle unit for a better adherence. In 1934, Magirus came out its vehicle comprising of the wheels of replacement assembled on the side which can turn freely. In 1936, a thousand of these vehicles will have been produced. From this year they will be replaced by vehicles with 8 wheels but will take part nevertheless in the campaigns of Poland (1939) and France (1940). They will be confined thereafter with a role of instruction or interior security.

Schwere Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz.231 (6-rad) "Waffenwagen"

Basic model. Convey of reconnaissancen-type for the heavy groups of the reconnaissance motorized groups(Aufklärungs). This model was used in Poland and France but was withdrawn thereafter (to the profit of the model with 8 wheels) from the front for the training and internal safety.

schwere Panzerspähwagen 231 (6-rad).

src: site "Germany's Vehicle History "

[Profiles]

schwere Panzerspähwagen (6-rad) Sd.Kfz.232 (Fu)

Radio vehicle of command on Büssing or Magirus chassis - This version is equipped with radio equipment (100 Watt) for long distance and with an antenna-frame. The amounts supporting the antenna-frame installed on the turret allowed thanks to a pivot, to the turret to swivel freely. As the basic model this version was versed in the heavy groups of the reconnaissance motorized groups (Aufklärungs).

schwere Panzerspähwagen (Fu) Sd.Kfz 232 (6-rad).

src: Tamiya

[Profiles]