The *Eland Armored Car series very closely followed upon the French adoption of the Panhard AML-60 and AML-90 vehicles.  That was no coincidence as the South Africans were introduced to the AML at the beginning of its production run.  The semi-secret purchase agreement between Panhard and the South Africans indicated that the first Elands would be built in France, with subsequent cars to eventually be fully license built in South Africa.  Like their close Panhard relatives, the Elands were to be built in two (2) basic variants: the Eland 60 and Eland 90, differentiated by their main armament.

As the Eland series was used for many years, upgrades and changes were made to the vehicles over their lifetime. Sometimes these upgrades/improvements were related to the South African's ability to increase the percentage of domestic components produced and assembled. The Eland was produced in seven (7) "Marks", totaling approximately 1300+ cars.  The production batches are summarized as follows:

Mark 1: Panhard produced vehicles;
Mark 2 (1962): Austral assembled vehicle kits that were provided by Panhard.  French machine guns replaced with Browning M1919A4 7.62mm coaxial weapons. These cars were removed from service due to problems, but later corrected with new front steering systems;
Mark 3 (1967): Updates include new wheel hubs, radio mounts and locally manufactured brakes.;
Mark 4: More efficient fuel system, local electromatic clutch and increased stowage capacity added;
Mark 5 (1972): This new production batch included substantial upgrades, most importantly a more powerful Chevrolet Engine. Also included were a new pressure-plate clutch, radio equipment, larger Dunlop run-flat wheels and the addition of a weapons pintle for the use of the vehicle commander;
Mark 6: Designates earlier production vehicles, upgraded to Mark 5 specifications;
Mark 7 (1979): The last, and most ambitious upgrade package.  Most notably, the hull was redesigned to increase its dimensions for crew comfort. Also, a higher quality metal was used for the armor plating. In addition, power brakes and an upgraded transmission were added. Finally, the engine mount design was improved to allow quick service/replacement. By the end of the Eland's service life, all remaining "older cars" were eventually upgraded to Mark 7 specifications.  An easy way to identify the Mark 7 cars is that their headlamps were mounted higher, which was now above the sand mats.  Also, Mark 7 Eland 90's were fitted with a "Ratel-style" commander's cupola.

*The "Eland" name was not officially given to this vehicle series until 1970.  The original name was "Vehicle A" and the two (2) variants were differentiated as "VA/60" and "VA/90", respectively. As a side note, the soldiers using the vehicles called them "Noddy Cars"; named after the children's book series.