Spyker is a Dutch car manufacturer with a rich but irregular history. The original company was founded in 1880 by brothers Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker. In its early years, Spyker built luxury automobiles, including the world’s first car with a six-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive (1903). The company also built royal carriages, most notably the Golden Coach for the Dutch royal family. The brand disappeared in the 1920s, but was revived in 1999 as Spyker Cars N.V., focusing on exclusive, hand-built sports cars such as the C8 Spyder and C12 Zagato. Spyker became known for its craftsmanship, luxurious interiors, and aviation-inspired design language. Despite international attention, the company struggled financially.
In 2010, Spyker briefly acquired Saab Automobile, which led to further debts. In 2014, the company was declared bankrupt, though it has since made several attempts at a comeback.
25 Spyker Questions
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In what year was the original Spyker company founded?
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Who were the founders of Spyker?
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What was unique about the 1903 Spyker 60 HP?
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Which royal carriage was built by Spyker?
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When did the original Spyker company go bankrupt?
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Who revived Spyker in 1999?
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What was the first modern sports car launched by Spyker Cars?
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How does Spyker’s logo (propeller and wheel) reflect its heritage?
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What engines were used in the modern Spyker C8?
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What role did aerospace design play in Spyker styling?
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How much did a new Spyker C8 Spyder cost at launch?
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What interior details made Spyker cars unique?
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Which concept was developed in collaboration with Zagato?
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Did Spyker ever participate in Formula 1?
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How successful was the Spyker F1 Team?
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When did Spyker acquire Saab Automobile?
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Why did Spyker’s acquisition of Saab fail?
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How many cars did Spyker approximately produce during its revival?
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Where was the Spyker factory located in the Netherlands?
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Did Spyker ever export cars to the United States?
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What reputation did Spyker build among car collectors?
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Has Spyker announced any comeback plans in recent years?
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What design philosophy defined Spyker Cars?
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How rare are Spyker vehicles today?
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What is the legacy of Spyker in Dutch automotive history?