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- This Matta joined our Black & White Collection in December 2009 when we purchased it from Steve Ball, but it was sadly sold in February 2012 to a car collector in Germany.
- Manufactured on September 3rd 1953.
- Owned by the Ministero dell'Interno, Pubblica Sicurezza (Police force) from Rome from new in 1953 until 1968 and always remained in Italy until April 2004 when it was imported into England by Steve Ball and then registered for UK road use by him in May 2004.
- Restored in 2003 by the late Italian owner who sadly passed away shortly after completion, after which the family sold it to Steve Ball.
- Only approximately 2,000 Mattas were ever made with few survivors.
- There is only one other standard Matta in the UK which was also sold new to the Rome Police and one Matta with an Alfa Romeo Montreal V8 engine fitted!
- The obligatory Jerry can, pick-axe and shovel are all present!
- 65 Bhp version of the renowned Alfa Romeo 1900 twin-cam engine with dry-sumped lubrication.
- Alfa Romeo's own 4 wheel drive gearbox.
- Previously registered in Italy as MI G32545.
Events we have exhibited this Alfa Romeo at:
- 96 Club Chelsea Rendezvous, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, July 24th 2010.
- Manor Farm Fly In historic air craft day, East Garston, Berkshire, July 14th 2011.
- Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Alfa Day, Basildon Park, Berkshire, July 17th 2011.
- At the rumour of Fiat designing a Jeep and Land Rover style vehicle for the Italian Army, Alfa Romeo designed and produced the AR51 (later nick-named the Matta) in just over a year. In the rush they failed to cost up their new Army vehicle and each AR51 ended up costing the Italian Army nearly three times more than the Fiat Campagnolo which was made available at a similar time. Needless to say, the Army never ordered any more AR51's after honouring their first order of only 2,000 (approximately) and the Matta's short life came to an abrupt end.
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