Minerva Early Models (1902–1907) History

Sylvain de Jong added automobiles to his Antwerp factory in 1902, beginning with a 6 hp four-cylinder model. Volume production followed in 1904 with a range of two-, three-, and four-cylinder cars featuring chain drive and metal-clad wooden chassis, plus the lightweight Minervette cyclecar.

Minerva's early reputation for engineering quality was cemented in motorsport: the 8-litre Kaiserpreis model won the Belgian Circuit des Ardennes in 1907. At the same time, British racing driver and aviator Charles S. Rolls — later the Rolls-Royce co-founder — acted as Minerva's dealer in England, selling the 2.9-litre 14 hp model, underscoring the marque's prestige from its earliest years.