The model 42 Desert Vehicle originated the Italian Army based on the framework and mechanics of the AB 41 armoured car. During the period of the operations regarding African front side, the requirement arose for a reconnaissance automobile particularly adjusted towards the desert conditions, in which driving on sand needed specific features that have been not present regarding currently available automobiles. The designers eliminated the twin operating way typical of AB 41 as well as the four-wheel drive. A couple of dozen of these vehicles had been produced