Bf 110 C-7

[John Vasco]

A quote from the excellent Petrick/Mankau book might help clear up some confusion:
"...According to the C-Amt program from 10 January 1940 the Bf 110 C-7 was only built at the factory in small numbers beginning in July 1940, and overlapped production of the Bf 110 C-4 and D-1 through D-3. However, it too was converted at repair facilities from older versions of available planes, as evidenced by loss reports and comments found in type overviews. In a C-Amt program drawn up by Mtt AG on 14 October 1940, it was designated as the 'C-4 with bombs'. The Bf 110 C-7 designation replaced the original designation of Bf 110 C-4/B in order to avoid confusion, just as with the Bf 110 D-0/B. It appears that all Bf 110 Cs with ETC hardpoints were ultimately lumped together collectively under the designation of Bf 110 C-7.
"The Bf 110 C-7 was drawn up because on 25 June 1940 the General Staff had rejected the idea of refitting Bf 110s in the field with bomb racks, and instead called for production versions (including the expiring C-series) to be modified for bombing. The role of the Bf 110 C-7 was assumed by the Bf 110 D-3, which could carry external auxiliary tanks, as soon as sufficient numbers of fuel pumps became available."

Hope the above helps.