145 years of Spyker – a tribute to the Netherlands’ most legendary car brand

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This year, the prestigious Concours d’Élégance at Landgoed Mariënwaerdt in the Netherlands will celebrate an extraordinary anniversary: 145 years of Spyker. The brand boasts a rich and storied history that began in 1880, when Dutch brothers Hendrik-Jan and Jacobus Spijker took over their father’s carriage workshop in the town of Hilversum. Their luxury horse-drawn carriages quickly gained international popularity — reaching as far as the former Dutch East Indies — and their reputation peaked in 1898 when they were commissioned to build a ceremonial coach for the young Queen Wilhelmina: the now-iconic Golden Coach.

That same year, the brothers turned their attention to a revolutionary new form of transport: the automobile. What began as a coachbuilding enterprise for other manufacturers evolved into a full-fledged car company within a few years. In 1903, Spyker made history by unveiling the world’s first car with a six-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive at the Paris Motor Show. The brand soon became synonymous with technical innovation, sporting performance, and luxurious craftsmanship — even capturing the interest of the Dutch royal family.

Spyker’s road to success, however, was not without its setbacks. After the tragic death of Hendrik-Jan in a maritime disaster and a subsequent bankruptcy, the company managed to bounce back. In the 1920s, Spyker produced prestigious models like the C4, and even ventured into aircraft manufacturing. Despite these efforts, the factory was ultimately forced to close its doors in 1925.

Yet the legend never faded. Visitors to this year’s Concours will be treated to a rare and exquisite lineup of classic Spykers, including the famed 1907 Spyker 20/28 Double Phaeton, known for its recent participation in the grueling Peking to Paris Rally, as featured in the ABC series and now part of the Autotron Collection. Other highlights include a rare 1921 Spyker C4 30/40 HP, a reconstructed racer built from original parts, and a fully restored 1909 Spyker 15/22 HP, once discovered in a shipping container in French Guiana. The owner is also bringing an elegant 1922 Spyker C4 Torpedo to the event.

The Concours will also pay tribute to Spyker’s modern revival in 1999, when entrepreneur Victor Muller reintroduced the brand with a line of exotic sports cars that rekindled its heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. Seven of these modern Spykers will be on display at the event.

Although the entire historic collection won't be present, the Concours offers a captivating journey through 145 years of Dutch automotive history — and a heartfelt tribute to a marque that uniquely blended daring, elegance, and engineering excellence.

Text by Laurens Klein

Event Details

• Wheels Mariënwaerdt
• Date: September 12–14, 2025
• Location: Landgoed Mariënwaerdt, Netherlands
• Tickets: Click here to order

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