|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |  | View more photos Cabriolet Coachwork: Vanden Plas |
Minerva began making automobiles in 1902, and from 1910, all were equipped with the Knight double sleeve-valve engine, prized by luxury automakers for its silence, smoothness and flexibility. All the cars were relatively heavy, but even the limousine, which weighed 5,300 lbs., could reach a speed of 70 mph.
From 1912 all Minverva's were equipped with the Knight engine that lacked the conventional and noisy valve system. The drawback of this setup was the high oil consumption, making the sleeve-valve powered machines easily recognizable.
Unusual for its time, the eight cylinder engine was cast in one block rather than being made up of two separate blocks of four cylinders. Breathing through a single Zenith carburetor and displacing just over 6.6-liters, the eight-cylinder engine produced around 130 horsepower.
Production of the Minerva AL commenced in 1930, but due to its exceptionally high price no more than fifty examples were produced. Despite adding considerably less expensive models to their line-up to help turn the tide, Minerva was one of the many manufacturers that fell victim to the Great Depression.
Minerva models were supplied with very sturdy and stylish bodies, characterized by long hoods and fine proportions on a 129-inch wheelbase. This AL model is one of less than 50 cars made with a 153-inch wheelbase. Only seven are known to exist today and this car is believed to be the only Cabriolet AL.
This 6,800 lb., eight-cylinder Minerva AL has just undergone a three-year, 1,400 hour restoration.
The name Minerva was the name of a Roman goddess and later used for the designation of a line of vehicles. In 1883 a Holland individual named Sylvain de Jong immigrated to Belgium where he began manufacturing bicycles, also bearing the name of the Roman goddess. In 1899 he shifted his efforts to building automobiles.
By 1909 his vehicles were powered by a Charles Yale Knight sleeve-valve engine. The engine proved to be dependable, low cost, and durable.
In 1928 de Jong created a 'super-car' dubbed the Type AL which he introduced to the public a year later at the Paris Salon. It featured a four-speed transmission and 6.6-liter eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 125 horsepower. Sitting atop a long 152 inch chassis, it would hardly qualify for super-car status by today's definition. With its long body it could easily carry many passengers while providing a spacious and luxurious interior.
Like many early automobile manufacturers, the World War's and Great Depressions were difficult times to endure. The producers of luxury and exclusive vehicles were the most devastated breed when the Great Depression occurred. Their limited list of clientele became nearly non-existent and many were forced out of business. This was true for Minerva, closing their doors and ceasing producing near the end of 1934. The 1200 employee workforce was let-go and Minerva became part of history.
By 1909 his vehicles were powered by a Charles Yale Knight sleeve-valve engine. The engine proved to be dependable, low cost, and durable.
In 1928 de Jong created a 'super-car' dubbed the Type AL which he introduced to the public a year later at the Paris Salon. It featured a four-speed transmission and 6.6-liter eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 125 horsepower. Sitting atop a long 152 inch chassis, it would hardly qualify for super-car status by today's definition. With its long body it could easily carry many passengers while providing a spacious and luxurious interior.
Like many early automobile manufacturers, the World War's and Great Depressions were difficult times to endure. The producers of luxury and exclusive vehicles were the most devastated breed when the Great Depression occurred. Their limited list of clientele became nearly non-existent and many were forced out of business. This was true for Minerva, closing their doors and ceasing producing near the end of 1934. The 1200 employee workforce was let-go and Minerva became part of history.
| | View more photos Cabriolet Coachwork: Vanden Plas |
| Photos grouped by event | ||
 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance |
1930 Minerva AL |
|
| Year | 1930 |
| Make | Minerva |
| Model | AL |
| Body Style | Cabriolet |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1928 - 1934 |
| Coach Work | Vanden Plas |
| Weight | 6800 lbs | 3084.5 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Introduced At | 1929 Paris Salon |
| Performance | |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | 112.6 km/h Similar top speeds |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Water-Cooled | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 6.60 L | 402.7 cu in. | 6600.3 cc. |
| Valvetrain | SV |
| Horsepower | 125.00 BHP (92 KW) @ 3000.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 54.4 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 18.9 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| 1 Zenith carburetor | |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Head | Cast-iron |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| View Specifications |
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Minerva History |
| Other models by Minerva |
 |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance |
| Other Model Years |
| 1931 8 AL Rollston |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
