Early in the development of Wehrmacht tactics it was realized that panzer columns would require a tip of the spear-armored reconnaissance units. To this end Germany began to "aquire" or develop a series of armored cars, which over time morphed into a variety of roles other than reconnaissance.
One of the first brought into service was the 8-wheeled, Austrian made PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ.
A column of PzKpfw Steyer ADGZ parading through Vienna after the Anschluss
Developed for the Austrian Army in 1934 by Austro-Daimler, a total of 27 PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ Armored Cars were incorporated into the fledgling Panzer force, as well as ploice and grenarmerie units.
The PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ featured three machines guns, two in the hull and one in a turret.
Although one of the first armored cars in German service, the Steyer must have proved itself capable. In 1941 the Waffen SS ordered an additional 25 ADGZ to be used in Russia and the Balkans.