RESERVE LOWERED - 1951 Alfa Romeo 1900 Matta AR51 (LHD)
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THE HIGHLIGHTS
• Dry climate - largely solid
• In need of full restoration
THE BACKGROUND
Introduced in 1952 and produced for two years until 1954, the Alfa Romeo Matta (also known as the AR51 or AR52 depending on its usage) was designed and introduced by request of the Italian MoD, who required a light reconnaissance vehicle for use over rough terrain, with the civilian AR52 version finding plentiful use in the utility and agriculture industries.
Power for both versions of the Matta came from a 1884cc, eight-valve inline-four engine, which featured an aluminium cylinder head, hemispherical combustion chambers, dry-sump lubrication and a cast-iron engine block.
THE HISTORY
This particular ex-army A51 Matta is offered for sale as a total restoration project, from a large collection of cars.
Unfortunately, other than being able to identify the fact that it is an ex-army AR51 (rather than a civilian AR52) there is no known history specific to this vehicle. Instead, what it does offer is a clean slate for a full-on or sympathetic restoration, with the perks of having been stored in the dry Mediterranean climate that Italy is famous for.
THE PAPERWORK
The registration document is present with the car, but otherwise there is no known paperwork or history with the vehicle.
THE INTERIOR
As you can see, this is a full-on restoration job, so there is no particular interior to speak of.
From what we can see, the lower seat frames appear to still be in-situ, as do the steering wheel, shifter, gauge pods and window frames, though we could not say with any certainty whether the interior is largely complete or not.
THE EXTERIOR
The sun-baked paintwork certainly appears to be somewhat beyond rescue, though our vendor has stated that due to the dry, hot climate the car has been stored in, the bodywork is mostly solid and largely complete.
All four wheels are present, and we can’t see any missing bodywork panels, though a new roof would need to be sourced at a minimum, along with a passenger door window.
THE MECHANICS
It should be noted that this example is not a running, driving car, and requires a full mechanical restoration before it sees the open road again.
However, the engine and transmission are both present, and the engine bay itself doesn’t have any tell-tale signs of being used as a parts bin, so we’d wager that a large proportion of the engine and its ancillaries are present.
THE APPEAL
Offering the chance for a ‘blank canvas’ restoration to the next owners specification and desires, this is a rare opportunity to obtain an ex-army AR51 Matta, with endless potential for restoration, whether that is to concours standard, a sympathetic restoration to retain the patina or somewhere in-between.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1951
- Make Alfa Romeo
- Model Matta AR51
- Colour Red
- Odometer 0
- Engine size 1884
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Isola Del Liri
- Country Italy
3
bids
from 2
bidders
- ar•••• €3,500 09/11/21
- to•••• €2,600 08/11/21
- ar•••• €2,500 02/11/21
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