Comparing: Type 58 vs. VK 30.01 (P)

The U.S.S.R. exported a total of 1,800 T-34-76 and T-34-85 tanks to China. In 1954 the Chinese government made the decision to begin domestic production of the T-34-85 in 1958, with the new vehicle designated the Type 58. However, production was never initiated, and the Chinese army settled for modifications to the Soviet-made T-34s.

The Porsche company developed the concept of a new vehicle in 1939. On March 5, 1941, after numerous approvals, the company prepared blueprints and, in July 1941, produced the hull from mild steel. The hull and chassis (with detachable equipment for trenching) passed performance trials. One wooden prototype of the turret and one wooden prototype of the hull were manufactured. In 1942, the project was discontinued in favor of new heavy tanks.