The Panzerkampfwagen I holds the distinction of being the first Germn tank after World War I to go into production. This vehicle was the result of testing and development of "agricultural tracotrs" done in Russia from 1927 to 1933 to sidestep the Treaty of Versailles stipulation that Germany could not have any tanks.

The Panzer I was a small 5.4 ton vehicle with a two-man crew, and was armed with twin 7.92mm machine guns in a traversing turret. It was powered by a 60hp gasoline engine, and its suspension was based on four road wheels per side (in the Ausf. A vesion), a front sprocket, three track return rollers, and a rear idler. The Panzer I Ausf. B had a 100hp engine.