Imperia Early Four-Cylinder Series History

When Imperia began production in Nessonvaux in 1906, its cars were designed by German engineer Paul Henze and offered an unusually wide spread of four-cylinder engines: 3-litre, 4.9-litre, and a large 9.9-litre unit aimed at the sporting Belgian upper class. The factory occupied the former Pieper works in the Vesdre valley.

By 1909 the range included a more modest monobloc 12 hp model, broadening the marque's appeal beyond the wealthy sporting buyer. These early cars established Imperia's reputation for engineering ambition in a country with a strong automobile culture, competing alongside compatriots Minerva and Métallurgique.