1931 Minerva 8 AL Touring Sedan

Sylvain de Jong, a native of Holland, emigrated from his native Amsterdam to Antwerp, Belgium, in 1883 at the age of 15. Beginning in 1895, he began manufacturing bicycles called Mercury. One year later, he traveled to America to learn about machine tools, then returned to Belgium in 1897 to begin building a better bicycle called Minerva. Two years later, he built his first automobile, but not until 1904 did serious production begin. In 1909 he made a pivotal decision: the adoption of Charles Yale Knight's sleeve-valve engine, which was quiet, efficient, trouble-free, and durable. Never mind that it was expensive to build, expensive to repair, and had a thirst for oil and gasoline. By 1938, the company ceased operation.

This car is the only Minerva AL chassis featuring American coachwork, highlighted by a unique slanted door design and windshield, pillars, and windows. It was originally purchased by socialite Henry Walker Bagley, who was married to tobacco heiress Nancy Reynolds.

In 1998 this great automobile won its class at Pebble Beach. It was an award winner in 1999 at many shows, such as Meadowbrook, Amelia Island, and Louis Vuitton in New York. It also won 1st Junior at Hershey in 1999, followed by 'Best of Show' at the Grand Classic National meet in Cleveland in 1999. In June 1931, Henry Walker Bagley of New York and his wife Nancy, the youngest daughter of the late R.J. Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, purchased the 8-cylinder car. Mr. Bagley ordered the chassis from the factory in Belgium and commissioned Rollston to design the body. The car was completely restored by the internationally renowned restorer, Steve Babinsky in 1998.

Source - Blackhawk Collection

This 1931 Minerva Model AL 'Windswept' Convertible Sedan wears coachwork by Rollston. It is one of an estimated 50 ALs produced and rides on a large, 152-inch wheelbase. There is a 6652cc sleeve-valve eight-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This car was commissioned by Henry Walker Bagley, the son-in-law of R. J. Reynolds of the noted Tobacco Company.

The Belgian Minerva company enjoyed a strong following in America, thanks to their elegant and refined motorcars. They were a favorite with high society, from film stars to politicians. Their finest model was the 6.6-liter straight-eight Type AL, was acclaimed as 'one of the most prestigious automobiles ever produced.' The sleeve-valve engine offered 120 horsepower, had dual ignition, and a crankshaft carried in nine main bearings. They had an Adex Stabilisator, one of the earliest anti-roll devices, making the Type AL an impeccable road-handling vehicle. The 152-inch wheelbase was one of the longest on the market and was a suitable platform for coachbuilders to construct some of their finest work.

Timing, however, was not kind to the Belgian concern. Like many other automakers, they found it difficult to thrive during the Wall Street Crash in 1929, and sales quickly fell away. As a result, it is believed that around 50 examples of the Type AL were built.

The Rollston Coachbuilders were some of the most respected and expensive builders of their time. The bodies they built were complex and built to last. They were well-designed and structurally efficient.

This car has been owned by D. Cameron Peck and Dr. Gerald A. Rolph. Dr. Rolph kept the car for approximately 20 years before selling it at auction in Geneva in 1997. It was sold across the Atlantic and soon received a Concours restoration. When completed, the Minerva passed to Charles Morse of Washington State, with whom it successfully campaigned at several Concours events around the country. Accolades included its Best in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1998 and awards at Meadowbrook Hall, Amelia Island, and the Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center.

Since that time, the car has changed owners a few more times.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,000,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve, and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013