Italy's Main WWII Tank During WWII, the Italian army used the M13/40 as its main tank. It featured a riveted construction and bogey-style wheels on a leaf spring suspension with a 47mm main gun featuring on Italy's first ever hydraulically operated turret. In addition, the M13/40 was powered by a 125hp V8 liquid-cooled diesel engine which produced a top speed of 30km/h. From July 1940 through to 1943, approximately 800 units were produced. They fought mainly alongside the German African Corps at the North African front.