Minerva

Minerva, a Belgian marque, carved a niche in the early 20th century with its luxurious and technically advanced automobiles. Founded in 1902, the company initially produced bicycles and motorcycles before transitioning to cars, quickly establishing itself as a competitor to Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. Minerva's reputation rested on robust engineering, exemplified by their Knight sleeve-valve engines, known for their quiet operation and reliability.

The brand's clientele included royalty and prominent figures, solidifying its image of exclusivity. While Minerva enjoyed success in the interwar period with models like the AL and AC, the economic downturn of the 1930s and subsequent wartime disruptions ultimately led to its decline. Despite a brief post-war revival, the brand faded, leaving behind a legacy of elegant, well-engineered vehicles that are highly sought after by collectors today.