The technical development, a performance evaluation and a detailed
combat history of this seminal German tank of World War II is beyond the
scope of this published work. Instead we will concentrate here on a
visual feast for the eyes, 96 pages detailing an incredible work of
restoration being carried out on a Panther Ausf. A in the workshops of
the Wheatcroft Collection.
As we have had access to the reconstruction of this tank from the early
stages we are in a unique position to be able to photographically record
the work that has been carried out and that is still to be completed. We
plan that there will be at least three volumes of work that shall record
this incredible project. The access that we have had has allowed us to
visually record a great deal of this vehicle in a way not normally seen
in other modern studies of the Panther that are in either museums or in
private collections.
By being able to photograph virtually the entire vehicle before fitting
of all the major components we have been able to document those elements
that are not normally visible even in those studies that comprehensively
cover interior walkarounds. Over this and the following volumes we will
be documenting every element of the vehicle including all major
sub-assemblies, both before and after installation. This will hopefully
build the most complete study to date of the construction via
restoration of this iconic vehicle.
This volume is primarily concerned with an examination of the interior
of the hull, suspension elements, gear train and drive components,
completed parts awaiting installation, and some about to undergo
restoration. Also included is a reasonably complete history of this
vehicle as we know of it to this date.
