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Royal cars shine in redesigned space at Autoworld
The permanent collection of Autoworld houses an impressive number of vehicles with royal lineage. These vehicles are now displayed in a dedicated space as part of a comprehensive museum redesign. Come and visit the new Royal Hall!
Where the extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages was once exhibited, the royal vehicles have now found a home. Two exceptional royal carriages remain on display. The Ehler Berline de Gala was used to celebrate the wedding of Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo. The Van Kalck & Tilmont Berline de Gala from 1805, adorned with the coat of arms of Arenberg and Lobkowitz, also carries enough nobility to secure a permanent place in this collection.
The Belgian Royal Family has always maintained an impressive garage. The Minerva Type 00 from 1920 is a prime example. This particular Minerva, featuring Vandenplas ‘Tulip’ bodywork, was the crown jewel of Belgian automotive manufacturing and the most expensive flagship model produced by the Antwerp-based company. It was the personal car of King Albert I.
The Cadillac Series 62 State Limousine from 1954 was purchased by the Royal Palace as a ceremonial vehicle. Both King Baudouin and Prince Albert used the Cadillac during their wedding processions through Brussels. The car was also used for King Baudouin’s tour of what was then Congo, as documented in the film Bwana Kitoko. Autoworld acquired the car after it served various roles, including as a tourist vehicle in Paris.
Lincoln, Ford’s luxury brand, also left its mark on Belgian royal history. This Lincoln Continental Convertible was used by the Royal Court from 1965 to 1980. The model is forever linked to the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963.
Belgium’s monarchs were also motorcycle enthusiasts. The new Royal Hall features a 1956 Saroléa Atlantique, a gift from the Herstal-based company to King Baudouin. Whether the motorcycle was actually ridden remains unclear, but both Baudouin and his brother Albert reportedly enjoyed testing their motorcycles against each other early in the mornings on the A12 highway, delighting in leaving their accompanying officers far behind.
Since Belgian motorcycles failed to keep up with Baudouin and Albert, Harley-Davidsons were purchased in 1947 for the police and gendarmerie. These motorcycles proved both fast and reliable. The association with the American brand persists to this day, as the Brussels police force still operates several Harley-Davidsons. The FLHP model in the Royal Hall, dating from 1981, is a police-specific version, as indicated by the ‘P’ in its name, meaning it was delivered ready for law enforcement use.