Norway: Crown Prince Haakon opens exhibition about royal cars

NordenBladet – After a long break due to the pandemic, there is again an exhibition ready under the auspices of the Norwegian royal family. On February 10th 2022, Crown Prince Haakon was gave the press a look at a new exhibition about the royal family’s cars. Historical film and photographs tell the story of meetings between king and people. They show key events where the vehicles have been in the centre.

His Royal Highness said: “Welcome to «The King’s cars». This is an exhibition we have been really looking forward to show you. This is probably the first car we have had in our family – in Norway, it is a yellow Mini-Cadillac from 1912”.

The toy car was given by Queen Alexandra of Great Britain to her grandson, Crown Prince Olav. The Crown Prince himself has had the pleasure of sitting behind the wheel. It had a top speed of 20 km/h and a range of 25 kilometres. If we include the toy car in the story, the Norwegian Royal Family`s very first car was actually an electric car.

On February 11th 2022, the doors open for «The King’s cars. Vehicles through four generations ». The exhibition shows highlights from the Royal House’s car fleet from 1913 to today. King Haakon VII’s Minerva from 1913 is considered the Royal family`s first real car, usually it is located at Norway`s Technical Museum together with the Mini-Cadillac from 1912. The exhibition is a story about technological development, about innovations, electric cars and design. The exhibition runs until 15 May.

In a row stands now iconic cars, such as the “wedding car” an A5 Lincoln Continental Convertible from 1966, the car park’s hidden treasure Packard One Eighty from 1942, bought during the war and in active service until well into the 2000s, and the A1 Buick Roadmaster from 1939, which probably the most famous of the Royal House’s cars. The number plate A-1 is inextricably linked with peace, freedom and the King’s return on June 7, 1945.