The SPA-Viberti AS.42 Sahariana was an Italian reconnaissance car of World War II. The AS 42 Sahariana was developed by SPA-Viberti using the same chassis as the AB 41
armored car, including its four-wheel steering, specifically for desert
operations, primarily in a reconnaissance role. Its origins trace back
to requests stemming from units operating on the North African Front
for a long range, highly maneuverable vehicle, similar to those widely
used by the highly successful British reconnaissance forces, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). The Sahariana engine located in the rear which gave it enough space in the middle of
the hull to accommodate up to five fully equipped men and weapons,
though the mission crew seldom exceeded three or four. The open
compartment's only overhead protection was a waterproof canvas sheet. The AS 42 had front and rear internal fuel tanks of 200 litres each with an additional 24 externally mounted jerrycans holding 80 litres of water and 400 litres of fuel.
Various powerful armament combinations were used, 2 Bredas Machineguns of 8 mm plus one automatic cannon of 20mm, Breda or Solothurn, ocasionally a 47mm or 65mm antitank gun was emplaced in the rear.