Sahariana (MG/AT/47/20) (IT241)

Sahariana (MG) (IT240) and Sahariana (AT/47/20) (IT241) Camionetta SPA Virberti AS-42 “Sahariana” Desertica The Sahariana was an open bodied version of the Autoblindo armoured car, adapted as a long range desert patrol vehicle. Camionetta is an Italian term used for soft vehicles modified to mount weapons, and often translated to Jeep, hence the Sahariana is often referred to as the Italian Desert Jeep.

The first unit to use the Sahariana was the “Raggruppamento Sahariana AS” formed in late 1942 from the first Sahariana vehicles manufactured. The 8 Saharianas in the unit were accompanied by 2 SPA TL-37 trucks (Camionetta AS 37) converted to mount a 47/32 gun on one and a 20/65 Breda gun on the other. The 8 Saharianas mounted the 20/65 Breda (3 vehicles), 47/32 gun (1 vehicle), the 20mm Solothurn anti-tank rifle (2 vehicles) and 8mm Breda M37 machine-guns (1 vehicle with MGs only).

This unit proved very successful combating the LRDG and four new units were raised called “Compagnie Arditi Camionettisti”. These units were armed with 24 Sahariana each. The Sahariana was characterised by its large wheels, rear-mounted motor, sloped and rounded off snout on which the spare wheel was mounted, flank racks "upholstered" in petrol cans (10 on each side) and water containers (2 each for front guards). Mounted on the rear guards were two ramps for un-bogging.

The driver was positioned centrally in front of the fighting compartment; the remaining space was used for weapon crew, weapons and provisions. During operations the front windscreen was covered by canvas to avoid reflecting sunlight. It had a maximum speed of 80kph and a range of 800 kilometres.

Approximately 300 AS-42 Saharianas were made. The vehicle was much liked by its crew and some examples survived to be used into the 1950s. Designed by Evan Painted by Jeremy