Minerva AL Three-Position Cabriolet Van Den Plas 1930 Green/Brown by Autocult
Belgian Delicacy
When 29-year-old, Dutch-born Sylvian de Jong founded
a bicycle factory called Minerva in 1897, no one thought that it would become a
manufacture for exquisite automobiles. In addition to the two-wheelers, the
production of small automobiles was soon started. The vehicles competed in
various races and the triple victory in 1907 at the “Adrennes Race” most probably
was the initiator to devote the company exclusively to the production of
high-quality vehicles – the motorcycle and bicycle production was ceased then.
Until the mid-1920s, a 4-cylinder engine was used,
until a 6-cylinder drive became the successor – firstly installed in the model
Type AB. Further luxurious designs followed, all of which continued to meet the
zeitgeist of the money aristocracy. The next stage of the development took
place with the design of an 8-cylinder drive. Fitted with the new engine the
Type AL was initially exhibited to the public in 1929 at the Paris Motor Show.
The 125 hp luxury car reflected a very high level of
luxury, both the body and the interior. For the chassis with a wheelbase of 152
inches, most of the car bodies were manufactured by the Belgian coachbuilder “D’leteren’.
Suitable for the chassis, the manufactory in Brussels’ Rue du Marais 50 offered
its body designated as the “Carosserie de Grand Luxe”. Initially the design
featured a multi-seater driver’s cab, which was separated from a chauffeur. Additionally,
the Brussels plant had also a convertible and a completely closed version in its
product range.
The demand for a Minerva AL was limited despite its
noble finish and its well-made look. Minerva received only 50 orders for the
model.
Description: | Minerva AL Three-Position Cabriolet Van Den Plas 1930 Green/Brown |
Catalogue#: | ATC02030 |
Product Type: | Resincast |
Scale: | 1:43 |
Event: | Road |
Colour: | Two-tone Khaki & Stone |
Drivers: | - |
Sponsors: | - |
Dates: | 1930 |
Race/Position: | - |
Release Date: | May 2023 |
Weight: | 450 grams |
Comments: | Limited edition of 333 pieces |
About Autocult
A relatively new maker of very well finished resincast models, established in 2015. Very imaginative choice of subjects, often concentrating on the more eccentric episodes in motoring history! Production limited to 333 pieces of each subject, which often means that we get one delivery and that is it, so pre-orders strongly recommended!! Made in China for Germany.