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Home » Brand » Minerva
Minerva, a Belgian firm, was a renowned manufacturer of luxury automobiles from 1902 to 1938. Founded by Dutchman Sylvain de Jong, the company initially produced safety bicycles before branching out into light cars and motorized bicycles in 1900. By 1902, Minerva added cars to its lineup, achieving fame for the quality and quietness of its Knight Engines. This excellence earned the brand favor among royalty and influential figures like Henry Ford.
Minerva’s early success was marked by innovative designs and technological advancements. The company developed lightweight clip-on engines that mounted below the bicycle front down tube, specifically for Minerva bicycles. These kits were exported globally and powered the first Triumph, among other notable motorcycles. By 1903, Minerva had developed an in-frame design for their bicycles, with the engine mounted above the bottom bracket. This design improvement addressed the issue of frame ruptures that had become common with increasing engine power.
In 1902, De Jong added cars to his production, starting with a 6 hp four-cylinder model. Volume car production began in 1904 with a range of two-, three-, and four-cylinder models. Minerva’s focus on car production led to the company becoming one of the premier names in the automotive industry during this period. Despite financial struggles in the 1930s, Minerva continued to produce high-quality vehicles until its merger with Impéria Automobiles.
After World War II, Minerva produced a version of the Land Rover under license for the Belgian army until 1954. A fallout with Land Rover led to the end of this partnership. Although the company attempted to re-enter the car market, it ultimately ceased operations in 1956. However, in 2013, a concept car was presented with the name Minerva J.M. Brabazon, reviving the brand’s legacy.
Today, the Minerva brand is synonymous with absolute luxury, top performance, and comfort. As a renowned quality budget tyre brand, Minerva continues to uphold its heritage of innovation and excellence. The brand’s commitment to providing high-quality products ensures that customers can trust Minerva for their performance car parts needs.
With a rich history and a focus on quality, Minerva remains a respected name in the automotive industry, offering customers a blend of luxury and performance that is hard to find elsewhere.