The model 42 Desert Vehicle originated the Italian Army based on the framework and mechanics regarding the AB 41 armoured car. During the period of the operations regarding African front side, the requirement arose for a reconnaissance vehicle especially adjusted to the wilderness conditions, where driving in sand required particular features (big size tyres at low stress, height from the ground, extensive autonomy) which were perhaps not current in the available automobiles. The engineers eliminated the twin running way typical associated with the AB 41 additionally the four-wheel drive. The car was produced in two armament configurations: one with 20 mm cannon/machine weapon and the other with 47/32 anti-tank cannon. Several dozen of those automobiles had been produced
