The 75/18 self-propelled tank, as well as all its later variants, was designed by Fiat Ansaldo. The tank was based on the M tank hull and was the only Italian armored tank of World War II produced in sufficient numbers to pose a problem for enemy armored forces. The 75/18 proved its power from its debut on the African front, but also in the Allied landings in Sicily and the subsequent armored units of the Kingdom of the South and the Italian Social Republic. The idea stemmed from the entry into service in the German army of the "Sturmgeshütz" (tank destroyers), and the positive results they achieved on the various fronts in which they were engaged.