Vehicle Description
After World War II, the Italian government decided they needed to
have an all-terrain, multi-purpose vehicle at their disposal.
Impressed with the capabilities of the American Jeeps they had seen
during the war in the early fifties, the Italian Ministry of
Defense allowed Italian companies to submit design proposals for a
new Autoveicolo da Ricognizione, or Reconnaissance Vehicle,
abbreviated to "AR" for Army purposes. In 1951, the two major
Italian manufacturers, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, submitted their
proposals. Fiat's AR51, designed by the brilliant engineer Dante
Giacosa (of Cisitalia fame) was selected by officials over its
competitor, the Alfa Romeo 1900 M, mainly due to its lower
maintenance costs. The 4-wheel drive AR51, intended to be able to
roam over the Italian countryside, was originally named "Alpina" (a
tribute to the prototype's exceptional climbing abilities), but
ultimately became known as the Campagnola, which translates to
"country girl" in Italian - a most Italianate nickname for a
serious military off-roader! The Fiat Campagnola AR51 designed by
Giacosa's team was built around a 1900 cc overhead-valve engine,
which was shared with the Fiat 1400 and 1900 sedans. For the
Campagnola, the 1.9L was tuned for torque and reliability, with an
output of 52 HP. The rear wheels are driven by a 4-speed manual
transmission, with a selectable four-wheel drive system sending
torque to the front wheels when the transfer case is engaged.
Features include front and rear locking differentials, an
independent front suspension, and a load capacity of 6 passengers
and 120 pounds of cargo. A range of different wheelbase and
passenger configurations where available to suit a variety of
military needs. In the early years the Campagnola underwent various
technical updates that were incorporated into the new military
model that would become the AR59. Production continued for over
twenty-two years with occasional updates, with over 40,000 units
being produced. This c.1961 example was imported from Europe to the
United States and received a full restoration in Italian military
style including a repaint in gloss olive green with paint-matched
wheels, a canvas top, reupholstered brown leather seats, and more.
It presents in excellent condition, with good quality paint and
loads of period details. It is identified as an early military
AR55ps model by its early-type front end and 1101B220-series
identification number. Exterior equipment includes a matching green
canvas top secured by rope and leather straps, a fender-mounted
loudspeaker, yellow front driving lights, a rear steel bumper with
steps, a shovel and pickaxe mount on the rear, fender-mounted black
mirrors, an additional driver's side upper mirror, front fender
flares with mudflaps, a fold-down windshield, and rearward opening
doors. The interior features two front fixed seats and two
inward-facing jump seats in the rear, which have been reupholstered
in high quality brown vinyl. The spartan interior features a
storage box with two openings behind the front seats, a mount for a
full-size spare, a 20-liter jerry can mount, chrome-ringed
instrumentation for oil pressure, fuel level, and a speedometer,
with an additional temperature gauge and cigarette lighter mounted
below the dash. Controls for the gearbox, transfer case, and
locking diffs are embossed with Roman numerals and Italian
instructions. This old "Country Girl" presents extremely well
inside and out, and is full of character and ready to be enjoyed.
It would be a wonderful addition to a vineyard or olive grove, or
for anyone who wants to enjoy La Dolce Vita out where the pavement
ends. Please note that this Campagnola AR55ps is titled as a 1982,
corresponding with the year it was exported and first registered
for private use. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7547-1982-fiat-campagnola-2dr/
