Alfa Romeo - AR51 MATTA (1900 M) - 1953

Very special find: extremely rare Alfa Romeo AR51 "Matta" from 1953, a very rare model of military off-roader produced in the first half of the 1950s by the house of Portello, virtually hand-built, in just over two thousand units at the old engine plant of Pomigliano d'Arco. A sophisticated design (twin-camshaft engine from the sedan and the coupé 1900 disempowered but with dry paper lubrication, independent front suspension with twist bars, reduced gears, rear differential block. . .) intended for the Italian armed forces and police; In fact, this specimen fitting "00881" chassis and produced in 1953 was one of the only eleven vehicles assigned to the Italian Air Force, as shown by the regular civil documents of the vehicle. Registered in Modena as a gasoline/gpl powered truck in 1966, and transferred to the province of Reggio Emilia in 1971. This Alfa Romeo Matta was stopped when still in working order a few years ago, and then dismantled to essentially start a bodywork restoration. However, the process was interrupted after some sheet metal work; the chassis structure is absolutely healthy and free from rust or damage caused by accidents. Apart from some surface rust emerged as a result of blasting some parts, the bodywork needs a sheet metal makeover for the left under-door metal strut. The car is 95% complete (capote canvas, seat cushions, and a few other easily available details are missing) and has many additional double spare parts (steering wheel, windshield, side windows, bonnet, front grille complete with headlights, front fenders, rear deck, wheels. . .) . Original documents ready for change of ownership or export. We recommend viewing the vehicle in Giaveno (Turin) before bidding. For an appointment, please contact Catawiki.