The Italian Army was among the first armies to use armoured cars, as early as 1912. With the FIAT Arsenal, it held armoured cars in high regard for their role as long-range reconnaissance vehicles for armoured divisions and as support for infantry actions. After the glorious FIAT 611 and the Lancia 1ZM, the Italian Army needed a new machine suited to the times. Thus was born the Fiat-Ansaldo armoured car series ready for the Second World War, used in particular in reconnaissance units: it saw extensive use during the North African campaign and, in general, appeared in almost all theatres of war in which Italy fought. It was mainly supplied in the three versions AB40, AB41 and AB43, which were gradually improved especially in their offensive equipment.