A new Sd.Kfz. 222 German light armoured car kit from Lanmo models.

Llanmo model continues in the path of smaller, lightly-armoured scout cars from WWII with this, the Sd.Kfz 22 armoured vehicle in 1/35th scale. We have info on the vehicle, & the kit in our preview...

A new Sd.Kfz. 222 German light armoured car kit from Lanmo models.

Sd.Kfz. 222 German light armored reconnaissance vehicle 

From Lanmo models

Kit No. MM35007 & 8

1/35th scale

Spring suspension, metal barrel & photo-etch included

Expected launch in December 2025

Lanmo Models Website

The Subject: Sd.Kfz. 222 German light armored reconnaissance vehicle 

The Sd.Kfz. 222 was a German light armored reconnaissance vehicle that played a pivotal role in the early campaigns of World War II. Officially designated as the Leichter Panzerspähwagen (light armored reconnaissance vehicle), it was part of the broader Sd.Kfz. 22x series developed to support fast-moving mechanized units. Built on a modified Horch 801 chassis, the 222 featured a four-wheeled layout with good off-road capability, making it well-suited for scouting missions across varied terrain. Its angular armor design provided modest protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, while maintaining a relatively light weight for mobility.

A restored Sd.Kfz. 222 Leichter Panzerspähwagen

One of the defining features of the Sd.Kfz. 222 was its open-topped turret, which housed a 2 cm KwK 30 or KwK 38 autocannon and a coaxial MG34 machine gun. This armament gave it a respectable punch against infantry and lightly armored vehicles, though it was vulnerable to heavier opposition. The turret was protected by a wire mesh anti-grenade screen, a practical solution to prevent enemy troops from dropping explosives into the open fighting compartment. Despite its limitations, the 222’s firepower and speed made it a valuable asset for reconnaissance units, especially in the Blitzkrieg phase of the war where rapid movement and situational awareness were critical.

A well-known photo of the British Army in North Africa 1941 British soldiers inspecting a captured German Sd.Kfz 222 armoured car, 24 June 1941.

Throughout its service life, the Sd.Kfz. 222 saw action in multiple theaters, including France, North Africa, and the Eastern Front. Its performance in desert conditions was particularly notable, where its mobility and visibility gave German forces a tactical edge. However, as the war progressed and Allied armor became more formidable, the 222’s light protection and armament proved increasingly inadequate. Production ceased in 1943, with heavier and more capable vehicles like the Sd.Kfz. 234 series taking its place. Nonetheless, the Sd.Kfz. 222 remains an iconic symbol of early-war German reconnaissance doctrine—compact, agile, and purpose-built for the fast-paced warfare of its time.

German Sd.Kfz 221s and 222s, American M3 Scout Cars and Soviet T-26s in service with the Chinese Nationalist Army on parade together, Yunnan Province 1944

The kit:

This new kit of the Sd.Kfz 222 is available in two flavors - both a German marking and a Chinese WWII scheme. We have some features here below...

1. The engine and transmission systems have been corrected, with detailed explanations of the differences between early, mid-, and late production models.

2. Variations in the movable suspension systems are addressed, including distinctions between the early and mid-model A chassis and the late-model B chassis.

3. The left torsion bar system—distinct from later configurations—has been included, along with restoration of the original body frame.

4. A movable gun mount, foot-operated firing system, and fully functional hatch have been added. The suspension system is now fully articulated.

5. A comprehensive examination of the various vehicle body versions has been conducted.

(This research draws upon the highly regarded Nuts & Bolts Vol. 47, which comes highly recommended.)

6. The study also includes detailed research on the hull and exterior camouflage of the WWII-era Chinese Army variant.

The blue-shaded hatches can be posed open or closed. The gold-shaded parts are photo-etched parts, and you can see the brass barrel of the guns also.

It is surprising just how many of the hatches can be opened or closed; it would be a shame to have such a large interior with nothing in it, would it not?

The parts of the kit

Not only the crew compartment, internal weapons and ammunition storage, engine, and transmission are included in this kit that is sold separately.

A full engine is also included, great for that maintenance or a knocked-out vehicle scene.

This kit is expected to be released in December 2025. You can see more about it on the Lanmo Models Website

Lanmo model

Two new sd.kfz. 222 models announced first.

MM35007 - WWII German sd.kfz.222 Light Armored Car, Early Model

MM35008 - WWII Chinese Army sd.kfz.222 "HaoXu" Armored Car

The new sd.kfz.222 armored vehicle features more detailed research and details:

1. Corrected engine and transmission systems, including explanations of the differences between the early, mid-, and late models.

2. Differences in movable suspension systems, as well as the differences between the early and mid-model A chassis and the late model B chassis.

3. Including the left torsion bar system which is different from the later one. And restore the actual body frame.

4. Added movable gun mount and foot-operated firing system, and fully movable hatch.Movable suspension.

5. A more detailed examination of various versions of the vehicle bodies was carried out.

(This research was based on the highly regarded NUTS Bolts 47 research book, highly recommended).

6. This includes detailed research on the hull and exterior camouflage of the WWII Chinese Army version.

(Thanks to Mr. Zeng Jianguo from Macau for his information and book.)

7. We will continue to utilize multi-colored plastic assembly panels.

8. Expected to be available in December!

9. Finally, the AB40.41 series, which you may be interested in, will be released at the end of the month.