*** Photos provided by seller ***
Highlights
- Ex-military aviation-transportable AR59 with petrol engine
- Solid, reconditioned vehicle but with gentle patina of character
- Capable and very usable 4x4 with space for up to six people
- ASI registration since September 1990
- Vendor states it is in excellent mechanical condition
The Appeal
At the end of the second World War the allies left a plethora of military hardware across Italy. Of particular interest to the Italian government were the go-anywhere Willy Jeeps. As happened elsewhere in Europe at around the same time and in much the same circumstances, they commissioned their homegrown manufacturers to come up with an Italian version suitable for military and rural use.
Fiat won the contract with the Autoveicolo dai Rigonizione or Reconnaissance Vehicle. Shortened to AR59 and with Campagnolo added to reflect its rural potential, the new vehicle was launched in 1951 and over 40,000 were built over the next 22 years, serving the military as well as rural workers.
This well preserved 1962 AR59 began life as a military vehicle in what we are told was aviation-transportable specification. Recently reconditioned and in good mechanical order it is a great opportunity to acquire a very capable piece of Italian motoring history.
The History and Paperwork
- We understand that this is a 1962 AR59
- Original AR59 handbook supplied with vehicle
- Current owner since 1988
- 2021 Italian registration document included in history file
- ASI certificate dated 12th September 1990
- The vendor states that this example was specified for aviation transportation
- We understand that it has recently been reconditioned and the mechanicals are in good order
The Interior
- Simple yet highly functional interior based on the contemporary Willys Jeep
- The interior is in aged but very presentable condition
- Clear Veglia dials with auxiliary oil temperature gauge
- Versatile six seater with two rear bench seats
- Rear seats and driver’s seat retrimmed but passenger seat left as it is apparently original
- Imposing three spoke original factory steering wheel in good condition
- Rubber floor mats
- Walkie Talkie style radio fitted
- Spare wheel and spare fuel tank behind front seats
- 24V electrics
- Switchgear in original but well cared for condition
- Fire extinguisher
- Original dash plaque
The Exterior
- Military green bodywork in very solid but lightly patinated condition
- Paintwork is very presentable and arguably improved by its signs of use and age
- Supplied with a range of accessories including shovel, axe, radio, aerials and haversack
- Pair of front towing eyes
- Front and rear aerials
- Roof in very good condition with clean canvas
- Doors and side screens in similar condition being usable and presentable
- Some minor corrosion visible on passenger side front wheel arch
- The vendor states that there are some minor bodywork issues to attend to
The Mechanics
- 1,901cc repurposed Fiat 4cyl petrol engine detuned to develop 50bhp
- 4spd manual gearbox with drive to rear wheels but the option of adding front wheel drive too
- Rugged longitudinal and transverse chassis construction based on the Willy Jeep
- Leaf springs at the back and independent suspension at the front for excellent axle manipulation
- Designed to be simple and rugged and suitable for the inhospitable unmade Italian rural roads and landscape
- The vendor says that it is mechanically very good
Summary
The Willys Jeep inspired local manufacturers to build their own versions. Fiat’s AR59 Campagnola cleverly took what worked with the Willys and added what was needed for the rugged Italian landscape. Bigger and with a greater payload but with a smaller and more economical engine, it got to work serving the military and rural community.
This nicely preserved AR59 has been sensitively reconditioned whilst retaining the character that jumps out of every panel. In good mechanical shape it is the classic that can go anywhere and tackle anything you choose to throw at it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Shipping and transfer
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