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This 1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta was completed on September 3, 1953, and first delivered to the security department of the Ministero dell’Interno in Rome, Italy. The truck subsequently spent time in the UK and Germany before being imported to the US in the mid-2010s under previous ownership. Acquired by the seller in 2020, the truck is finished in red with a removable tan canvas soft top over black vinyl upholstery and is powered by a replacement 1.9-liter twin-cam inline-four linked with a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Additional features include independent front suspension, four-wheel drum brakes, body-color 16″ steel wheels, rear-hinged side doors, and troop-style rear seating. This 1900 M is now offered with correspondence from the Alfa Romeo Centro Documentazione, documentation from previous ownership, and Connecticut registration in the seller’s name.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

The truck is believed to have been repainted under previous ownership and is finished in red with black Alfa Romeo graphics on both side doors. Exterior features include a removable tan canvas soft top, a fold-down front windshield, a rear pintle hitch, headlight stone guards, rear-hinged doors with removable side curtains, and a rear-mounted pickaxe and shovel. Various paint imperfections are highlighted in the gallery below.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

Body-color 16” steel wheels are mounted with older Goodyear tires, and a full-size spare is affixed to the hood. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel drums, and the truck rides on independent front suspension with a live rear axle out back.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

The cabin features individual front seats and inward-facing rear benches trimmed in black vinyl. Additional features include a map pocket located ahead of the front passenger’s seat, a windshield-mounted rear-view mirror, electric windshield wipers, and black rubber floor mats.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

A three-spoke steering wheel fronts a 120-km/h speedometer and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, water temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows just under 22k kilometers (~14k miles), approximately 700 of which have been added during current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

The replacement 1.9-liter inline-four features twin camshafts, eight valves, and dry sump lubrication. The crankshaft was reportedly reground in 2006, and work in 2008 is said to have included replacing the head gasket and refurbishing the starter. A photo of the engine block stamping can be seen in the gallery.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The clutch was reportedly replaced in 2006. Areas of corrosion on underbody components are noted by the seller, and additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.

1953 Alfa Romeo AR 51 1900 M Matta

The chassis number ARAR51☆01149☆ is stamped on the identification plate, and the VIN on the title omits the prefix “ARAR51.”

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $50,000 by joegolden
Auction Ended December 28, 2021 at 1:49PM PT
Bids 22
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BaT Essentials

Seller: millstoneman
Location: Granby, Connecticut 06035
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 01149
  • 22k Kilometers (~14k Miles) Shown, TMU
  • Replacement 1.9L Twin-Cam Inline-Four
  • Four-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Dual-Range Transfer Case
  • Red Paint
  • Black Vinyl Upholstery
  • Tan Canvas Soft Top
  • Body-Color 16" Steel Wheels
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Rear Pintle Hitch
  • Removable Side Curtains
  • Troop-Style Rear Seating
  • Alfa Romeo Correspondence
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #62380