TL.37
The TL.37 was an Italian military artillery tractor of World War II. It was manufactured by SPA, an Italian car maker that was a subsidiary of Fiat.Development and History
The tractor was chosen for the Royal Italian Army in 1938 as the result of a design competition between SPA and Breda Meccanica Bresciana for a light artillery tractor. It was subsequently used during World War 2 by all the Italian forces and was bought by Hungary. After the Italian Armistice in 1943, it continued to be used by German forces. Post–war, it was in service until 1948 with the Italian Navy.
The vehicle was notable for having four-wheel steering, that enabled it to have a turning circle. It was able to pull artillery pieces of 75mm and 100mm at a speed of on road, carrying five gun–crew in addition to the driver and of artillery ammunition. It was also able to climb a 40-degree slope.
A self-propelled gun variant was also built, with a Cannone da 75/27 modello 11 fitted at the rear. The TL.37 was also the basis for a general–purpose truck, the Fiat–SPA AS.37, and two armoured cars the Fiat–SPA S37 and the Fiat-SPA AS43.
