Minerva by Van den Plas

Van den Plas originated in Belgium in 1870 as 'Van den Plas'. The name derives from the Dutch.

Carrosserie Van den Plas was formed by Guillaume van den Plas and his three sons, Antoine, Henri and Willy. The workshops of Van den Plas started in 1870 making wheels, followed by axle units for carriages. In 1884 the business moved from Brussels to Antwerp where horse drawn carriages were produced, and with the increase in business another branch was opened in Brussels again in 1890. Work was exhibited at the World trade fairs. In 1900 having gained the highest award ever by a Belgium coach-builder, work flowed in from De Dion Bouton, Berlier, Germain, Packard and others producing vehicles at that time.