Originally conceived as a fast and mobile tank killer, the M8 Greyhound armoured car was not built to withstand the punishment it would receive at the hands of Germany's main battle tanks and was therefore used more for reconnaissance patrols and armoured escort duties. Open turret variants of the Greyhound afforded their commanders an exceptional view of the battlefield, although this feature was understandably less popular during poor weather conditions. Amazingly, one M8 is reported to have destroyed a mighty German King Tiger in December 1944, sneaking up behind it and firing three rounds into its engine before the Tigers turret could traverse round.