SdKfz 221 - Definition and Overview

The SdKfz 221 is a light 4x4 armored scout car. It has a small open topped turret with wire mesh anti-grenade screens. A radio car version was built as the SdKfz 223, it is similar but includes additional radio equipment and has a large "bed-frame" antenna above the vehicle.

SdKfz 221 was developed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen. The chassis were built by Auto-Union in Zwickau and they were assembled by F. Schichau of Elbing and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen in Hannover-Linden.

It utilized the standard sPkw I Horch 801 (heavy car) chassis with an armored body and turret. The engine was placed in the rear. The armor was rolled and welded at an angle. The early models had visions ports cut from the rolled plates; later these were simplified by making cast vision ports.