The Sd.Kfz.234 is the successor of the eight wheeled armored cars Sd.Kfz.231 which were developed in the 30's. These new armored cars had a new design and a powerful engine. All axles are driven and steerable. The most advantage was the feature of two drivers - one for normal driving and one for backward driving. So they could drive back within seconds without turning, which was an important feature for a recon vehicle that the 234 initially was supposed to be. The weight of slightly below 12 tons and the 220hp engine allowed a top speed of around 90km/h!
The Sd.Kfz.234/3 was armed with the 7,5cm K51 L/24 Stummelkanone alongside with a MG42 as AA defense. There were 50 rounds of ammo for the main gun plus 1950 rounds for the MG. From June 1944 to December 1944 around 90 of these vehicles were produced. They were mainly issued to Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilungen of eight Panzer-Divisions.