Minerva (automobile)

About Minerva (automobile)

Minerva was a Belgian business specialising in bicycles, motorbikes, and later automobiles active between 1897 and 1958. 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 luxury cars to its lineup. The brand achieved fame due to the quality and quietness of its Knight Engines and was favored by royalty and influential people like Henry Ford. Despite success, financial struggles during the 1930s led to its merger with Impéria Automobiles, another Belgian manufacturer. After World War II, Minerva was revived and produced a version of the Land Rover under license for the Belgian Army until 1954. A fallout with Land Rover and subsequent court case led to the end of this partnership.