The civilian version of the Antar was developed in the late 1940s as an oilfield vehicle for transporting pipes over rough ground. They were of 6x4 layout (ie 6 wheels, 4 of them driven), with the front (steering) axle undriven and with twin wheels on both driven (rear) axles. The vehicle was designed from the outset for its off-road capabilities, like the earlier Scammell Pioneer and unlike the road-going Diamond T it was eventually to replace.