A peep into the history of the exotic but defunct brand in automotive industry
Spyker, a Dutch car manufacturer, came into existence under the name Spijker in 1880, as the result of the efforts of two brothers, Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker. These coach builders in Amsterdam entered into automobile manufacturing industry in 1898. The same year, they also built the Golden Coach which is still in use, to honor the coronation of Dutch Queen, Wilhelmina. This became a turning point in their career. Spijker entered into full fledged car manufacturing and changed the name to Spiker for easier recognition in the overseas market.
It was in 1900 that Spiker came out with their first models of two cylinder 3hp and 5hp similar to the Benz. In 1903 Spiker introduced four cylinder models. The same year, Spiker also introduced world’s first six cylinder engine with permanent four wheel drive and four wheel brakes through their extremely advanced Spiker 60/80 HP. Spiker also introduced models with the patented dust shield chasis. The 1905 models had a round radiator grill.
During the World War1, Spiker merged with the Dutch Aircraft Factory N.V. and diversified into the production of fighter aircrafts. It was in 1914 that the company introduced its new slogan and logo. The slogan “Nulla tenaci invia est via: For the tenacious no road is impassable” is still in use. A spoke wheel with a horizontal propeller across became the new logo of the company. After the War, Spiker revolted to car manufacturing and brought forth record breaking cars like Spyker C4, Spyker C12 etc.
The Spiker Company ceased trading in 1925 with a total estimated production of around 2000 cars. Spyker Cars, anew company was formed in 1999, company unrelated to the original Spiker but for the brand name.