PK-83 Matchbox Hanomag Sd.Kfz. 251/1.

During 1926, preliminary trials were held for the development of an artillery tractor with excellent performance both on road and cross country. The resulting half track configuration was carried on as the basis of a most successful range of infantry vehicles that became the classic partner to the tanks of the Panzer Divisions.

The SDKFZ 251/1 shown here was the standard vehicle used by the armoured infantry unit. Seating 12 men, it carried two MG 34 or MG 42 machine guns and two sub machine guns. Its excellent ballistic shape and mobility earned it the new role of close support for the tanks.

By summer 1942 all Panzer divisions were equipped with armoured infantry divisions, re-named the Panzer Grenadiers who used the SDKFZ 251 and its many variants, such as mortar carriers and tractors, to which the vehicle was eminently adaptable.