The German Panzer III Ausf. E was a crucial early-war medium tank, introduced in 1939 as one of the first truly mature versions of the Panzer III series. It featured a significant redesign over earlier models, including a new torsion-bar suspension with six large road wheels per side, greatly improving mobility and reliability. Armour protection increased to 30mm on the hull and turret, while the tank retained the 3.7cm KwK 36 main gun and a pair of MG34 machine guns, giving it solid firepower against early Allied armour and infantry. Powered by the Maybach HL 120 TR engine, the Ausf. E could reach speeds of around 40 km/h, making it highly effective in fast-paced Blitzkrieg operations.
 
The Panzer III Ausf. E served during the invasion of Poland, the Battle of France, and the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, where it formed a key component of Germany’s armoured spearheads. Although soon outclassed by heavier enemy tanks, its reliability, mobility, and balanced design helped establish the Panzer III as the backbone of Germany’s early-war armoured forces. The Ausf. E laid the foundation for later, more powerful variants that would serve throughout the war.
 
Multi part resin model.
 
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.