Alfa Romeo AR51 Matta

History

Self-confessed Alfaholic though he is, your cataloguer has to admit that even he was only dimly aware of the existence of this particular machine. Almost unheard of outside the confines of its native Italy, this fabulous little 4x4 jeep is officially known as the Alfa Romeo AR51 after the year in which it was launched, 1951. However, amongst the Italian military for whom it was designed, it is better known as the 'Matta' or 'crazy car' in honour of its amazing go-anywhere capabilities.

Powered by a de-tuned version of the 1884cc DOHC four-cylinder unit that powered Alfa's gorgeous 1900 saloon, it produced 64bhp and was capable of 65mph. In 1952 an army-enetered Matta won its class in the Mille Miglia and the vehicle would presumably still be eligible for the race today. In its two year production life only 2,012 were made and they are now exceedingly rare and sought after ? the vendor believes that this example is probably unique in the UK.

Owned by the Italian Army from new until 1969, this particular car had two further civilian owners before being shipped to England about 18 months ago. Now fully UK registered and with an MOT until January 2007, it is in exceptionally sound and original condition and comes complete with all its original military markings and its original shovel, pick-axe, jerry can and tool kit. The only non-original features are the indicators which have been converted from semaphore to winker, though the semaphore arms are still in place.

Said to drive very well, its only fault is a tendency to jump out of reverse gear if the lever is not held in place. The owner believes this is a selector fork problem and will endeavour to fix it before the sale if he can find the time. He also reassures us that, despite all those old jokes about the Italian Army, it only has one reverse gear...