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Brave and beautiful: from Cyclecar to Grand Sport exposition
None but the brave deserve the fair is an expression that comes to mind in relation to the newest exposition of the Louwman Museum. Although a commercial enterprise, the museum is led by passion and love for classic cars and their history, resulting not only in the general museum collection, but also in its latest exhibition, From Cyclecar to Grand Sport.
This might not raise the eyebrows of the seasoned PreWarCar.com reader, but for the public at large, it most likely offers a new and wonderful experience.
The story behind the exhibition
After World War I, life for many in Europe was austere and limited. To promote mobility, several European countries introduced a tax favouring cars weighing up to 350 kgs. with an engine capacity of no greater than 1100 cc. These so-called cyclecars offered space for no more than three people. Little factories, workshops, garages and barns sprang up everywhere, producing a huge variety of little vehicles. Paris alone counted more than 100 large and small car manufacturers.
Vehicles which complied with cyclecar legislation often had very sporty characteristics due to their low weight and relatively powerful engines. Almost every make of cyclecar therefore had at least one special racing model.
This theme was chosen for a show some years ago and was met with great interest by Mr. Louwman and museum director Ronald Kooyman. After further discussion with the Dutch Cyclecar Genootschap, the plans gathered pace and several collectors and enthusiasts were asked to collaborate with this unique celebration of this often overlooked phenomenon in motoring history.
One for all, all for one
Thirty cars are on show, from a trio of Bédélias to a Benjamin, a Bignan, several Amilcars and Salmsons, and one very racy Lombard. A couple of our favourites are the Duval-bodied Amilcar and the commercial-bodied Villard, not to mention the beautiful BNC and D’Yrsan. Plus, for Austin Seven enthusiasts, there's the original Mille Miglia Seven. Any of the cars on show would be a great addition to our personal collection!
The exposition From Cyclecar to Grand Sport is a real pleasure and we can highly recommend a visit to The Hague, where the Louwman Museum is to be found. The cyclecars are on show until 3rd September 2023.
Published:
Tuesday July 11th, 2023
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Comments
James Mead
12 July 2023, 03:17
Austin Harris
11 July 2023, 21:25
"There's the original Mille Miglia Seven."
Really? Doesn't look like it to me. The Mille Miglia one had a TT-style body for a start.
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Really? Doesn't look like it to me. The Mille Miglia one had a TT-style body for a start.
Jos Cox
11 July 2023, 12:38
This exhibition makes the most beautiful car museum in the world even more attractive! A must for every enthusiast!
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For the last several years, I have been fascinated by these European small cars and especially the highly developed racing machines that some makes morphed into.
Coincidentally, we are currently restoring the closest thing to an organized light car racer here in America. The Collier Brothers formed a club early on known as the Automobile Racing Club of America, to promote light car races on the Collier Estate and beyond. The first car, ARCA #3 was their juvenile Briggs and Stratton Flyer. The second car built was ARCA #2, a shortened and narrowed Model T frame, converted to chain-drive and right hand steering, powered by a Henderson four-cylinder air-cooled motorcycle engine.
The brothers quickly progressed to MGs and imported European sport cars for their pre-war road racing and hill-climbing escapades.
We were privileged to discover the relic on it’s way to the scrapper. Look for its debut back on track within the coming months.
Jim Mead
Owego, NY