One of only 12 surviving vintage convertibles up for auction in ‘spectacular’ condition after decades-long journey
ONE of just 12 surviving vintage convertibles in exceptional condition after 94 years is set to go to auction.
The 1931 Minerva Al Rollston Sedan has won countless competitions and travelled all over the US in its near-century lifetime.
Finished in teal and black the car's impressive chrome detailing has stood the test of time remarkably well.
It even has the "Goddess Minerva" mascot fixed above the radiator shell.
Only 50 of the Type AL chassis cars were produced.
And 12 of them are the only ones thought to have survived.
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The retro car won Best in Class at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Second in Class in 2018.
Its award-winning restoration was completed by Minerva expert Steve Babinsky of Automotive Restorations in 1998.
The car is now going up for sale with Broad Arrow Auctions.
It was produced by a firm described as "one of the world's premier luxury pre-war automotive manufacturers".
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The company provided cars to "elite clientele" that even included King Albert I of Belgium.
As it exported some 1,000 chassis models to England per year by the end of the 1920s, it became known as a rival to the infamous Rolls-Royce.
The Minerva AL model became the archetypal car sold by the company - with a 6.6 litre engine and 120 horsepower.
Speaking about the history of the car, the listing explained: "The timing of the AL's introduction ahead of the 1929 Wall Street Crash sadly limited its production to just 50 chassis, of which fewer than a dozen are known to survive today."
“The design's sophistication lies in the cohesive alignment of the windshield, pillars, and windows with the dramatic door angle, while a darker accent along the beltline emphasizes the body's dramatic swept-back profile.
“The result is a formal Convertible Sedan that masterfully balances flowing elegance with dynamic presence."
The car was passed through several notable collections over the years.
It was picked up by a Minerva car enthusiast in 1967 before spending three decades in a collection in Texas.
After that it was bought by another collector in 1997 and restored in New Jersey.
Over the years it was picked up by other prestigious collectors before finally finding its way to the Academy of Art University Collection in 2015.
The car has been described as in amazing condition, with the listing stating: "Today, this AL presents in no less spectacular condition than when it was first restored.
"The Rollston coachwork stands among the finest collaborations between an American coachbuilder and European chassis manufacturer of the pre-war era.
“This combined with its superlative restoration and numerous accolades, chassis 80105 ranks among the most significant surviving examples of both the rare Minerva AL chassis and Rollston's innovative design work."
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It is not clear exactly when the car will go up for auction or for how much.
One previous similar car from the same firm sold for around £530,000 after a Sotheby's auction.
