Chassis No. AR5100814
Engine No. AR1307-00106

The Alfa Romeo 1900 M “Matta” was Alfa's answer to the Italian Ministry of Defense's AR51 (Auto-veicolo Ricognitivo / reconnaissance vehicle) 1951 initiative to develop a rugged light reconnaissance vehicle in the aftermath of World War II. The 1900 M featured a twin-cam 1.9-liter inline-four that sent 65 PS through a four-speed manual transmission to all four wheels. It was supported by an advanced independent front suspension system with rotary damper technology borrowed from Formula One cars of the period. Alfa built approximately 2,000 AR51-specification cars and roughly 150 AR52 civilian examples between 1952 and 1954, competing with Fiat for the coveted Italian military contract. The 1900 M outperformed Fiat's offering, the Campagnola, in every official test—even beating it outright in a unique military class at the 1952 Mille Miglia—and Italy purchased a handful of 1900 M Mattas shortly after.

This 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 M Matta is an AR51 variant currently finished in Olive Drab with a tan-colored canopy and Olive Drab faux leather seats. The included Certificate of Origin from Alfa Romeo Classiche shows that this example was sold new on the 5th of December, 1953 and was delivered new in Pomigliano D'Arco, Italy, likely to a military base there. Its Carta Di Circolazione Per Autovettura logbook reveals private registration in Bologna, Italy, in 1971 and a documented string of owners through 1980. Following additional acquisitions in the mid-2000s, the Matta arrived in the care of the consignor in April 2016—having remained in Italy its entire life. At some point the Alfa received a cosmetic restoration, which included a respray and interior retrim in its original Olive Drab color scheme according to an included copy of its Certificato Di Identita from the Automotoclub Storico Italiano, issued in June 2015. The 1900 M was recently inspected and serviced in January 2025 by a private mechanic.

Now showing just 14,787 kilometers at cataloging, this splendidly original 1900 M Matta is possibly one of the most quintessential examples of the model—which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. It is a welcome and unique addition to any Alfa Romeo club event worldwide, and adds true depth, intrigue and conversation-starting distinction to any serious collection.