LANMO Model 35006 – 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40

The LANMO Model 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40 recreates one of Italy’s most distinctive early-war reconnaissance vehicles, perfect for North African, Italian, and WWII Axis dioramas.

Historical Context & Theme

The Autoblinda AB 40 was developed as Italy sought a modern armored car for reconnaissance, colonial policing, and mobile security roles before and during the Second World War. Early prototypes appeared in 1939, and the AB 40 became the first production version of the Fiat-Ansaldo Autoblinda family.

Light, fast, and visually unmistakable, the AB 40 was designed for mobility across long distances. It was used by Italian forces from 1939 onward, particularly in North African settings, where speed and road range were essential. The vehicle was lightly armored, capable of almost 80 km/h, and armed with twin 8mm Breda machine guns in the turret plus another 8mm machine gun in the hull.

The LANMO Model 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40 is therefore an excellent subject for modelers who want something different from the usual German or Allied armor. It brings the atmosphere of desert roads, colonial outposts, reconnaissance patrols, and early Axis operations into a compact but characterful vehicle.

Figure / Vehicle Details & Realism

The LANMO Model 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40 is a plastic model kit of the Italian AB 40 armored reconnaissance vehicle, produced in 1/35 scale under product code LAN-MM35006.

Its rounded armored body, compact turret, large wheels, and distinctive Italian design make it instantly recognizable. The real vehicle included technical features such as all-wheel drive, steering at both front and rear, and a system allowing tire contact to adapt to terrain, giving the subject strong mechanical interest for armor enthusiasts.

The kit includes useful detail elements such as etching, decals, clear parts, a metal barrel, and a spring. The main hatch can be built open or closed, giving modelers extra flexibility for display and finishing. The manufacturer listing also notes that no figure is included.

This vehicle stands out through its unusual shape and rare subject matter. It is ideal for anyone looking to expand a WWII armor collection beyond the most common tanks and half-tracks.

Diorama & Display Use

Imagine the Autoblinda AB 40 moving along a dusty North African track, its crew scanning the horizon during a reconnaissance patrol. The vehicle’s compact size makes it perfect for tight diorama compositions, while its unusual silhouette immediately draws the viewer’s eye.

The LANMO Model 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40 works beautifully in desert scenes, Italian convoy displays, patrol vignettes, road checkpoints, maintenance settings, or captured-vehicle compositions. It can be paired with Italian infantry, fuel drums, desert road signs, stone buildings, palm trees, or dry terrain groundwork.

Because the AB 40 belongs to the wider Autoblinda family used during WWII, it also fits naturally into collections focused on Italian armored cars and early-war reconnaissance vehicles.

Material & Customization

This is an unassembled and unpainted plastic model kit, designed for painting, detailing, and weathering by the modeler. Paint and glue are not included.

The AB 40 offers excellent weathering potential. Desert dust, faded paint, worn tires, chipped edges, oil marks, and subtle grime can all help bring the vehicle to life. The clear parts, photo-etched details, and metal barrel give the modeler a strong base for a refined finish.

Customization can focus on North African dust, Italian campaign wear, field stowage, opened hatches, or a clean museum-style finish depending on the intended display.

Who It’s For

This kit is designed for WWII armor modelers, Italian vehicle collectors, reconnaissance vehicle enthusiasts, and diorama builders looking for a rare and distinctive subject.

The LANMO Model 1/35 Italian Armored Car Autoblinda AB 40 is especially suited to hobbyists who enjoy compact armored cars, unusual Axis vehicles, desert warfare themes, and historically interesting alternatives to standard tank kits.