Production of the Marder I was split between 60 dedicated tank destroying elements and a further 100 as dedicated self-propelled artillery guns. The former would feature a version of the PaK 40 designated as the PaK 40/1 L/46 whilst the latter was armed with a 10.5-cm (4.1") OR a 15-cm (5.9") main gun. The Lorraine tractor design and arrangement proved to be quite acceptable to the task and was therefore a prime candidate for conversion. Other chassis under German control, such as the Hotchkiss H39 and FCM 36, were also used in a few limited conversions falling under the same Marder I designation.
The engine was mounted in the front as it was in the original Lorraine tractor. This was of a DelaHaye 103TT in-line 6-cylinder engine developing 70 horsepower. The engine allowed for vehicle speeds of up to 24 miles per hour on ideal surfaces and an overall range of 93 miles. Armor protection surrounding the critical sides of the main gun was 12mm at its thickest and was sloped for added protection.
In combat, the Marder I was moderately successful. Most systems were kept within the borders of France and took part in the Invasion of Normandy to which many were lost in the fighting. The Marder II and Marder III systems would soon come online and feature many of the lessons learned from the Marder I conversion program. In any case, Marders would make up a strong arm of offensive power for the German Army through to the closing days of World War 2 though, by this time, the Marder I's were all but limited in their production quantity and surpassed by more purpose-built tank destroyer designs.
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