Minerva 30CV History

When Minerva restarted automobile production after World War I, it anchored its range around two large Knight sleeve-valve models: the 3.6-litre four-cylinder 20CV and the 5.3-litre six-cylinder 30CV, both introduced in 1920. The Knight engine — adopted under worldwide licence from 1908 — used double sleeve valves instead of poppet valves, producing an unusually smooth and silent running quality that Minerva marketed alongside Rolls-Royce as a benchmark of refinement.

Both models used monobloc engines, vacuum fuel feed, cone clutches (later plate clutches from 1921), four-speed gearboxes, and cantilever rear springing. The 30CV in particular attracted coachbuilders and royal households: the kings of Belgium, Sweden, and Norway were numbered among Minerva owners, as were American film stars and industrialists — including, reportedly, Henry Ford.

In 1923 the range was refreshed with smaller models — the 2-litre four-cylinder 15CV and a revised 3.4-litre six-cylinder 20CV with four-wheel brakes — before the entire post-war lineup was superseded by the Type AK and Type 12-14 for 1927.