The Medium Armored Car T17E1 is a four-wheeled, four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is operated and controlled in a manner similar to that of a four-wheel-drive truck. Various automatic features embodied in the design and the use of power mechanisms assist the driver in the control of the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by two six-cylinder, valve-in-head, 97 horsepower water-cooled engines. The engines are located side by side in the rear of the hull providing unrestricted operation of the armament. The engines can be operated simultaneously or individually.