World War II Database

Contributor: Alan Chanter

ww2dbaseThe SPA (Società Piemontese Automobili) firm, a subsidiary of Fiat since 1925, had been producing automobiles since the early years of the century and, in the mid-thirties, it was given a contract for its 6x4 cargo truck for the Royal Italian Army which had become reliant on trucks of somewhat dated design. The SPA Dovunque 35 was one of a range of Fiat and other Italian vehicles which saw extensive service with the Italian Army and the Air Force particularly in North Africa during World War II, It was a compact and robust vehicle with the ability to traverse rough going (Dovunque means literally "go anywhere"). The 4,053-cubic-centimeter petrol engine was located inside the cab and the rear overhang was kept short in order not to catch on steep declines. Two spare wheels were carried on stub axles beneath the cab and prevented the chassis from "bellying". The transmission was strong and it was normal to fit twin wheels to each of the rear axles, making a total of 10 tyres in contact with the ground. An unusual feature of these trucks was that they needed to be hand-crank started, but nevertheless they proved an effective transport vehicle for the Axis military.

ww2dbaseThe Dovunque 35 was used in the Spanish Civil War and at the outbreak of World War II was available in considerable quantities. After the Italian Armistice production was continued under German control with 307 vehicles made available for service on the Eastern Front. Production would continue until 1948, and it remained in service with the Italian Army until 1950. In addition to the standard transport lorry a number were fitted out for various other support roles, including a radio truck, armoured personnel carrier and a self-propelled anti-aircraft version armed with a Breda Model 35 anti-aircraft gun (qv).

SPECIFICATIONS

Dovunque 35

Machinery	One SPA Model 18D 4cyl 4,053cc petrol engine rated at 60bhp
Suspension	Wheeled 6x4
Armament	None; 20-25 passengers, 2,500kg payload
Crew	2
Length	5.03 m
Width	2.07 m
Height	2.91 m
Weight	4.5 t
Speed	60 km/h
Range	250 km

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