The L3 tankette was the most numerous Italian armored fighting vehicle with about 2700 being made. Of that number, 1200 were sold for export to China, Brazil, Hungary and Bulgaria and other places.
While it was basically suited for its intended role as reconnaissance and security, the relatively thin armor (14mm hull front, 8mm side and 6mm roof & floor) offered little protection for other than rifle fire. A 20mm round would easily penetrate, and 50 caliber from the right direction would quickly have an L3 looking like a pasta strainer.
Crews were known to have derisive names for the machine - like "sardine tin" or "coffin for two men".
Of the L3 variants made, the flame thrower version was most effective. "A few" were made up to be bridge layers and vehicle retrievers. The L3R was a command model with radio.
