The Panhard 178 was an advanced French reconnaissance 4×4 armoured car that was designed for the French Cavalry before World War II. Affectionately known by it’s 4-man crews as “Pan-Pan”, it was equipped with an effective 25mm main armament and a 7.5mm coaxial machine gun.
In addition to taking part in the conflict in North West Europe during the early stages of the war, the Panhard 178 was also due to see service in North Africa where a desert version was produced (mostly internal differences so effectively the same external look as the European variant). Sadly the advent of the armistice meant none of these were ever shipped to the Western Desert.
Following the Fall of France in 1940, many of these vehicles were taken over by the German forces, under the new designation Panzerspähwagen P204 (f). THis makes the new released Panhard 178 a great choice for armies of the Third Reich too…
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy
Craig Nixon