Sylvain De Jong, born in Amsterdam but based in Antwerp, made his debut in 1900 with the production of motorcycles, and in 1904 with that of light cars. Relying on a good reputation, he developed increasingly powerful and luxurious models, adopting the valveless engine (Knoght system) in 1909 which he kept until the end of the business. After having known a peak of popularity towards the end of the twenties, the Minerva slowly declined, until the closure, which took place in 1936; later the brand was used on Imperia (Adler license) and on Land Rovers built for the Belgian army. The AL series with 40 horsepower 8-cylinder engine was built from 1930 to 1933 and is today particularly rare and sought after by collectors. The AL was built with a closed limousine and convertible body.
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