The L version of the Panzer III tank was built from the summer of 1942 to the end of that year. Its main difference from the J version was the additional armour on the front of the hull and on the cannon mantlet. 20 mm thick armour plates were added to give the crew improved protection at the front. To simplify production certain details were changed. The louvres were completely removed from the mantlet and the sides of the turret and in later models the emergency exits were eliminated from the sides of the hull. The ammunition stowage for the long 50 mm cannon 39/L60 again had to be somewhat reduced due to its increased weight and now held 78 rounds.