Looking for history of Bonhams' 1913 Minerva DD (Upd. history added since 1964! )

We live in Ray Nelson's old home in N. Hollywood and have several photos of the Minerva before it was restored by Ray. Feel free to check out some history on Ray at our Roadster House website or contact us here. Happy share photos!

The great racehorse trainer Paddy Mullins (deceased) was based at Doninga, Goresbridge so it could have been belonging to that family. He was father of present day trainer Willie.

Dear Peter
Many thanks for your kind offer-much appreciated! Please let me have your email and telephone number and I'll get my details off to you. Do you have any workshop detail by any chance?
Kind Regards
Mike Mutters

Dear Mike,
I have in my Minerva collection the original catalogue of 1913. I could make a scan and send it to you. I apoligize but it could take some time.
Best Regards
Peter

In the time between sending the above details to PWC.com, I was fortunate to make contact with Bill Sides who has kindly given me a pretty full background to the car-I don't think that Ireland had a great deal to do with it! Thanks to those who have added extra information.

Mike Mutters

The same car is pictured in "Minerva Vandaag" by Boval/Valcke on page 72, albeit in a Black and White Photo, the background does look somwhat conolial. Photo was credited to Bill Sides, maybe Bill might add something? The description is in Flemish as follows "De-zwart-wit afgebeelde DD is het in de Verenagde Staten overlevende exemplaar. Het wagentje werd vrii opvallend opgesmukt met o.a. projectiekoplampen, zijdelingse lanterens, een zoeklicht en een korte kap die alleen de achterste passagiers overspant. Ook de kleurencombinatie is ongenwoon : een bruine koets, beige weilen, spatborden en kap en koperkleurige blankmetalen onderdelen." Thankfully the picture is in English......

This delightful 1913 Model DD Minerva was found in Australia about 1964 and was part restored by Les Deimel in Gosford NSW who on-sold it to Ray Nelson in Los Angeles. He completed restoration and added much brass winning numerous show awards with it. It was the cover car of an American magazine in 1975 and its history was given in some detail. Les gave me photos if it when found and during his restoration on its chassis.
It was advertised for sale in The Automobile around 10 years ago and no doubt then went to Ireland. It appears little used since 1964 despite being a very usable car. Ray refitted its original Phizakerly body but added interesting but inapproriate lights, rear hood and the McCann body plates. Incredibly I have its original Phizackerly body plates and some brass bits off it are on my similar 1914 JJ Minerva, I got those bits off Les in 1977. He sold the car minus some of its brass bits! Like so many Minervas, it is ex-Australia and retains its original Australian body. (with embellishments)

Bill Sides

That car was for sale in the HCCA Gazette in the March/April 2000 issue by Peter Harper. In the ad it states it was aquired from the Imperial Palace Auto Collection. I would contact them. They may have the records as Minerva's are rare cars in the USA.