Leichter Panzerspähwagen

The Foundation has two Sd.Kfz.223 chassis. Both are the earlier designated Typ 801, which would have been assembled as Ausf. A 3rd Serie 223s. We intend to restore only one of the Ausf. A vehicles as the chassis selected is complete with engine and gearbox. The other Sd.Kfz 223 A chassis, complete with everything save for a gearbox will not be restored.

The prime decision taken before starting the project, was what exactly we wanted the 3 Serie Sd.Kfz 223 to represent when it was fully restored. Should it be restored to the finish it had at the time it left the assembly line, or should it be brought back to the time at the end of its operational service?

This Sd.Kfz 223 is alleged to have been involved in the Braspart raid to rescue captured Fallschirmjaeger, from the hands of the French resistance. The vehicle at the time would have been from the Kriegsmarine vehicle pool in Brest.

We were tempted to restore the Sd.Kfz 223 back to 1944 in Brittany, just before it was immobilised outside the La Poste office in Sezun. There are numerous pictures of early Serie Sd.Kfz 222 or 223 that have been refitted internally. Unfortunately the number of upgrades made to this 3 Serie Sd.Kfz 223 over the years, was unknown. The only definitive point in time was when she left the assembly line in 1939. Therefore, we opted to take the armoured car back to this point in time, within her history. We know how she was fitted out then, we know the instrumentation, radio equipment and racking, internal and external paint treatment, seating and equipment stowage. There are undoubtedly questions to be answered but far more would be posed by restoring a 1939 vehicle to a 1944 standard.   

We are currently restoring the Sd.Kfz.223 in tandem with the Sd.Kfz.222. The fact both are Ausf. A vehicles is helping to simplify the restoration project.

When you become a member you have access to the full article detailing the work and research in this project and the ongoing issue resolution regarding fittings and detail.