Spyker: The history of the Dutch automotive brand

The history of the Spyker brand spans from its origins in 1880 to its modern resurrection. Founded by Dutch blacksmith brothers Hendrik-Jan and Jacobus Spijker in Hilversum, the company initially produced carriages, including the ‘Golden Coach’ used by the Dutch royal family. In 1903, the firm introduced the 60 HP, noted as the first car with front-wheel drive, six cylinders, and four-wheel braking, before ceasing operations in 1926.

In 1999, businessman Victor Muller and designer Maarten de Bruijn founded Spyker Cars N.V., reviving the historic name and motto. Following the debut of the Silvestris V8 prototype, the company launched its first production model, the C8 Spyder, at the Birmingham Motor Show in 2000. This supercar featured an internally designed aluminum chassis paired with an Audi 4.2-liter V8 engine. The C8 Laviolette coupe followed in 2001.