The first Alfa Romeo, the Alfa Romeo G1, and the only one of its kind left in the world, has found a new home with the Australian Alfa Romeo importer.

The Alfa Romeo Museum in Italy has confirmed that it regards the Alfa Romeo G1 as the first true Alfa Romeo – all cars prior to this were either Alfas, being built prior to the purchase of the company by Nicola Romeo, or Darracq cars built under licence – and the museum has also confirmed that Alfa Romeo G1 chassis and engine number 6018 is the only Alfa Romeo G1 left in existence.

“It is a great honour to be owner of the very first Alfa Romeo,” says Neville Crichton, Governing Director of Ateco Automotive, the Australian Alfa Romeo importer. “We plan to complete the restoration of this magnificent and historic car and the ensure that as many people can enjoy it by displaying it around Australia.”

The 6.3 litre straight eight Alfa Romeo G1 has had a mixed history, being imported new into Australia in 1921 and then sold to a businessmen who was soon after declared bankrupt. He hid the car from his creditors, but died soon after. The car remained hidden in a shed in the Queensland outback for 25 years before being used to round up cattle, subsequently crashed, and then used to power a water pump. Found in 1964 by Alfa enthusiasts, it was the subject of a 10 year restoration. It was sold on and again restored in 1995 before being acquired by the Australian importer.