The Matta or AR51 was developed in the late 1940s to the government specification for a light jeep and was first produced in 1951, hence the 51 in the title. However, AR does not stand for Alfa Romeo, but for Auto-Veicolo Ricognitivo or reconnaissance vehicle. As with most 4x4's the AR51 has a separate ladder chassis and the body was mounted on this. The suspension consisted of a live rear axle with independent front suspension consisting of double unequal length wishbones, this very advanced design gave the Matta unsurpassed off-road ability. The independent front suspension was the key to this ability and in order to give the suspension maximum travel, the lower wishbones are huge with the inner pivot point being as close as possible to the centre line of the vehicle. Power was, in typical Alfa Romeo style, from a 1900 twin overhead cam petrol engine, this was by any standards overkill. The use of such an advanced engine design gave the Matta masses of torque which is exactly what an off-road vehicle needs. The engine was de-tuned to 60 bhp for use in the Matta from the 100 bhp it produced in Alfa Romeo's road cars of the time, giving the Matta a top speed of 105 km/h.

This late production 1954 Matta is believed to be one of three registered in the UK. First owned by the Italian army it was registered for civilian use in 1969. Imported into the UK in March 2006 and in 2007 the vehicle was bought by a keen engineer and enthusiast of these wonderfully over engineered off-roaders. Typically of a vehicle owned by an engineer, the vehicle is reported by the vendor to be in excellent mechanical condition running and driving very well and has also been featured in Auto Italia magazine. It was an AR51 that was the first army vehicle allowed to enter the modern Mille Miglia and so presents a very good value potential route for entry to that fabulous event.

Supplied with its V5 registration document. This very rare and wonderfully over engineered 4 x 4 is a fantastic talking point and would make a great addition to any collection. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1954
Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: AR51 Matta
Registration: 924 XUA
Chassis No: AR5101526
Engine No: AR1307 01633
Mileage: 1,473

* One of three believed to be in the UK
* Featured in Auto Italia Magazine