The SU76 and & 76M types of light self propelled guns were designed in 1942, using the hull of the T70 light tank and armed with the 76mm divisional 76mm gun. The SU76 was not very reliable, so the 'M' version, as in this model was the main production type. An open top and thinly armoured vehicle it was not popular with crews but was cheap and effective, so over 14000 were produced by the end of WW2.