1904 Minerva Type A (Minervette)
Engine Type
Single cylinder 635cc engine mounted east-west in chassis. Mechanical inlet and outlet valves, water cooled via thermo-syphon action and front mounted radiator.
Details of fuel & ignition system
Fuel tank mounted on dash feeding a Solex carburettor via gravity (Longumere carburettor originally fitted). Oil tank also mounted on dash with hand pump to push oil into the crankcase every 5 miles or so. Ignition system is via 6 volt battery and coil.
Transmission
Constant mesh gearbox contained within crankcase (2 forward speeds and reverse), cone clutch on secondary shaft, chain drive to rear axle.
How did you acquire the vehicle?
We acquired the car from the Hack family of Brisbane, Qld in 2019.
Brief known history of the vehicle
Early history of the car is unknown. It was found in the roof of a Melbourne house in the mid 1950’s by a plumber. Car was retrieved and sold to John Alderson who commenced restoration. It returned to the road in about 1961. It was acquired by Frank Hack of Queensland in the late 1960’s. Frank cherished the little car for many years and even displayed it in his living room at one stage!
What do you like & dislike about your car?
It’s a very sweet little veteran and very enjoyable to drive on quiet, flat country roads. It is historically significant due to its originality and being one of the earliest cars produced by Minerva Motors of Antwerp, Belgium (who later had a reputation for building luxury cars owned by Royalty and Film stars). The column mounted cable gear change arrangement is a bit difficult to use and probably not one of Minerva’s better ideas!
Fun facts or any other details you’d like to include?
People are often amused by the crank starting procedure which involves lifting the hinged drivers side front mudguard, cocking the front wheels to the left and inserting the crank handle into the side of the motor - So long as fuel and ignition settings are right and tongue is held in the correct place, it generally starts ok! It will kick like a mule if you forget to retard the spark however…