Panzer IV
ausf. h

Our Panzer IV

Panzerfabrik’s Panzer IV ausf. H is a new high point globally in the nuanced area of WWII German Panzer reconstruction. Completed in November 2022, the Panzerfabrik re-make of the Panzer IV will set a new high bar regarding completeness and accuracy. No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked.

This Panzer IV utilizes many original wartime components including some original armor plates. Built from the ground up this example matches the specifications and construction of the original vehicle both inside and out. It was meticulously constructed to match the original in size, weight, and performance as well as look and feel. Fully kitted on both exterior and interior, including full ammo racks and personal crew effects, this Panzer IV is as it was, rolling into the hedgerow country of Normandy in 1944.

No element of this construction has been left to chance with all design/assembly data being taken from original parts. Panzerfabrik has traveled the planet to study, photograph, and document many original examples all necessary in reconstructing an exact copy.

Interested in how our build came together? Check out our News Page, as it documents the steps along the way.

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HISTORY

Designed in the 1930s the Panzer IV was passed over in favor of the Panzer III during the opening year of WWII. When the Panzer III ran into the Russian T-34 Germany had to pull a rabbit out of the hat and produce a Panzer that could carry a bigger main gun and more armor protection. The Panzer IV fit the bill. Its hull and suspension were capable of taking on more weight and the Kwk 40 7,5 cm gun could be fitted inside the Panzer IV’s larger turret. And so was born Germany’s reliance on the Panzer IV that lasted the rest of the war

Ironically, introduced as a stopgap, the Panzer IV eventually became the most widely produced and one of the most iconic profiles of WWII. At the time the Allies landed at Normandy the Panzer IV was still making up the majority of the Panzer Battalions. It was the Panzer IVs of the 21st Panzer division that lead the only meaningful counterattack against the Allied forces on June 6th, 1944. After losing 70 of its 124 panzers the 21st pulled back along with any real hope of stopping the allied landings. All 9 panzer divisions present in Normandy on June 6th contained significant numbers of Panzer IV’s

The Panzer IV and Panzer II “Luchs” intersect in the 116th Panzer Division. The “Windhund” division had a number of Panzer II “Luchs” on loan from 9th Panzer while Panzer IVs filled the ranks of the 116th Panzers armored units. This places Panzer IVs and Panzer II “Luchs” in the same place at the same time in Normandy June 1944.