Restored vehicle with its original engine!

The prototype of this off-road vehicle was presented on 5 October 1951 at the pilgrimage site of Assisi, where it drove up the steps to the basilica! An even more extraordinary fact is that the series model contested the Mille Miglia in 1952! Alfa Romeo built 2,161 of the Model AR 51 (military design) and AR 52 (civilian version) between 1952 and 1954. AR stands for “Autovetture da Ricognizione”, in English: reconnaissance vehicle. The Alfa was later nicknamed ‘matta’ – the lunatic – an allusion to its extraordinary capabilities. As a special feature, the matta was fitted with a double camshaft engine from the 1900s that was modified for rugged terrain, giving the vehicle yet another unique quality.

It was extensively restored and redesigned to emphasise its civilian look. The restoration paid as much attention to the body as it did to the removable tarpaulin roof and the interior, leaving it solidly kitted out and equipped for a long life. Pleasingly, the mechanical parts of the Alfa were also refurbished, ensuring that it can still pursue its originally intended purpose. The restorer was evidently concerned to preserve the actual vehicle. That’s why the Alfa is powered by the original 1900 engine, which is certainly the exception today. But it is precisely this heart that sets the vehicle apart and makes it special. The clear vision and hard work has managed to save one of the few remaining mattas – even if the future owner will be unable to repeat its mad presentation in Assisi.

VIN: AR5100812 Milage: 24,096 km (read) Displacement: 1,884 ccm/R4 Gearbox: 4-speed Colour: red/black (synthetic leather) Power: 65 hp Papers: Italian title