In the 1930s the Italian company Isotta Fraschini (IF), which specialized in the production of luxury cars, airplane, and naval engines had acquired through German company MAN SE the production license of Diesel engines.

Following the unification decree of 1937, which required manufacturer to standardize certain properties (weight, capacity, number of axle, speed) in relation to any requisition for the war effort, in 1939 the Milanese house changed the rules thus allowing unified production of Isotta Fraschini D80 CO (civilian version) and D80 COM (military version) both known as the 2nd series.

On the nose, 5 chrome lines start from the badge in the center of the grille and move back along the sides of the bonnet.

The frame, supporting a 6.5 tons box has a 4.10 m wheelbase and an axle track of 1.78 m (front) and 1.77 (back).

The D80 CO and COM of the "2nd series", "unified" in accordance with the provisions of the Government, are characterized by a low fuel consumption and the presence of booster air.