Minerva AN Classic Car for Sale

History of the Minerva AN

Minerva was one of Belgium’s most respected luxury automobile manufacturers, active from 1902 until 1956. The Minerva AN stands out as a milestone in the brand’s 1920s portfolio, produced in Antwerp and known as the "Belgian Rolls Royce" for its sophistication and quality. The AN model is notable for marrying the advanced Knight sleeve-valve engine with an innovative Weymann body, blending advanced engineering with a new sense of comfort and style for its era.

Model history of the Minerva AN

The Minerva AN is built on the Type AK chassis, taking its lineage from earlier Minerva models that prioritised advanced engineering and luxury. The use of the Knight engine was a marker of prestige, as these were typically fitted to top-tier vehicles due to their smooth operation. Successor models evolved with technology and materials, but the AN’s combination of the lightweight Weymann body and the Knight powertrain made it especially notable in Minerva’s history.

Highlights of the Minerva AN

A key highlight is the Weymann body construction, utilising a wooden frame covered with weatherproofed fabric—a method that made the car both lighter and quieter than contemporaries with metal bodies. The car’s 2.0-litre six-cylinder Knight sleeve-valve engine positioned it in the high-luxury segment. Inside, an opulent mix of leather, fine woods, and generous space defined its long-distance comfort. All Minerva AN cars currently offered represent 100% of both the available supply and demand in the Minerva marque, reflecting their rarity and uniqueness in the classic car market.

Technical Data of the Minerva AN

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Every Minerva AN Weymann can be considered unique due to its bespoke bodywork by the Weymann coachbuilder, crafted individually per customer order. No factory-supported limited editions are known, but variations occurred depending on owner specification, making each surviving vehicle distinctive.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Owners should pay close attention to the condition of the Weymann body, as the fabric-over-wood technique, while innovative, is vulnerable to age-related degradation, especially where weatherproofing has failed. Regular inspections of the wooden frame for rot or pest damage are essential. The Knight sleeve-valve engine requires specialised maintenance, particularly in ensuring proper lubrication and sleeve integrity, but benefits from lower noise levels compared to poppet-valve contemporaries. Parts and expertise can be scarce, so preservation often demands specialist knowledge.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The 2.0-litre six-cylinder sleeve-valve engine offers exceptionally smooth running by period standards, with minimal vibration and impressive silence—a direct benefit of the Knight design. The lightweight construction of the Weymann body further improves handling and efficiency despite the car’s generous size. Minerva’s advanced engineering results in a vehicle well suited to stately driving, with a robust and refined feel.

Popular variants include the classic Weymann-bodied limousine and touring models, both of which highlight the marque’s dedication to driving comfort and quiet operation. • Minerva AN Weymann Limousine: 2.0-litre six-cylinder Knight sleeve-valve, lightweight body, luxurious interior • Minerva AN Touring: Similar mechanical specification, open-top variant, prized for period-accurate touring versatility

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Central to the Minerva AN is its Weymann body, defined by a wood frame with stretched, weather-treated fabric, delivering a notable reduction in noise and vibration. The interiors showcase high-quality leather seats, meticulously finished wood dashboards, and chrome details. Most examples feature bespoke details according to original owner preference. The combination of understated luxury and technical creativity is consistently apparent, while the exterior retains the elegance of a 1920s grand tourer. Optional extras often included upgrades in interior materials and unique accessories tailored per vehicle.

Other relevant features

As a car frequently described as the "Belgian Rolls Royce," the Minerva AN carried the reputation of one of Europe’s most advanced and prestigious motorcars of its day. Innovations like the Weymann construction and Knight sleeve-valve engine were rarely combined, securing the AN a prominent status among pre-war luxury vehicles.

Summary

The Minerva AN Weymann fuses Belgian engineering excellence with the innovation of its time. Its uniqueness among classic vehicles lies in its refined Knight engine, advanced Weymann body and opulent interior. With every existing Minerva AN representing 100% of sales and interest in the Classic Trader database, this model maintains unmatched rarity and stands as a testament to pre-war luxury motoring craftsmanship.