During the time it was being produced, the Tiger I underwent many changes, both minor and major. This evolution was a result of a number of different factors including revised specifications, feedback from the field, and material shortages. Listed here are some of the major changes that occurred after the first Tigers were delivered in August of 1942.
 

The lack of track guards or Feifel air cleaners identify this as a very early model.

August 1942

• Retaining hooks for rear louvers added.
• Mounting boss holes for camouflage frame added.
• Smoke candle dischargers added.
• Complete tool set added.

• Track cable is added to the hull side.

• Antenna base on rear removed.
• Convoy tail light added.
• Shovel mounted on glacis.
• Tow cables are reversed.

• The Feifel air cleaner system is mounted.
• Track guards are added on the hull sides.
• Hinged track guards are added front and rear.
• Reinforced gun mantle introduced.

• An emergency escape hatch is added.
• Straight side track guards are added.

• S-Minen dischargers are added.
• Guards are added to exhaust mufflers.
• Triangular ends added to side track guards.
• Gun mantel cut for Tiger P.
• The Tiger baggage bin is added.

• Vent cover is added to engine compartment.
• Roadwheel rim is changed to use 18 bolts.
• Starter shaft on lower hull rear.
• 6 gun cleaning rods.

• Modifed large oval Feifel filters introduced.
• Triangle cover on rear deck.
• Loader's periscope added.

• 3 spare track holders added.
• The same rear louver casting is used on both sides.
• Roadwheel rim is changed to use 12 bolts.
• Drive sprocket hub is changed to star pattern.
• 2 spare track holders added.

• Engine is changed to Maybach HL230.

Track holders, new pattern sprocket hub and smoke candle
dischargers identify this as an April or May '43 Tiger.

• Smoke candle dischargers are no longer installed.

• New turret with revised cupola is installed.
• Pistol port plug and uncut escape.
• Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine coating is applied.

• Stop Tiger P gun mantle.
• Single headlight is installed instead of dual lights.
• Slits in turret vision ports are widened.

• C-clamps are added top and rear.

• S-Minen dischargers are no longer installed.
• Pistol port plug is discontinued.
• Track tool stowage box is discontinued.
• Feifel air cleaner system is discontinued.
• Chevrons added to track links.

• External travel lock for main gun is added.

• 20-ton jack is added.
• Shovel on glacis is discontinued.
• Hull extensions in front and rear are notched.

• Steel roadwheels are installed instead of rubber-rimmed wheels.
• Turret ring guard is added.
• Tools are moved.
• External travel lock is discontinued.

Steel-rimmed roadwheels identify this as a February '44 or later model.

• Loader's hatch is changed to short hinged version.
• Monocular gun sight introduced.
• Turret roof increased to 40mm thickness.

• Lighter muzzle brake with insert.
• Wood deck installed over fuel tanks.

• 2 bolt escape hatch hinge introduced.
• Three sockets added for jib boom.

The information on this page was obtained from the book Germany's Tiger Tanks: D.W. to Tiger I by Thomas L. Jentz & Hilary L. Doyle. This excellent reference contains a complete list of Tiger I model changes. You can also view a complete table of changes at Mr.Jentz's online Tiger I Modifications List.