Louwman Museum presents unique film duo during Prewar Days

After their debut in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run earlier this month, the automotive stars of the famous family film Genevieve are returning to the Louwman Museum, but not before making an exclusive stopover in Kortrijk. During the Pre War Days at Kortrijk Xpo, the Darracq 12 hp Genevieve and the Spyker 12-16 HP Double Phaeton will shine in their original film livery.

While the Darracq 12 hp Genevieve has been identical to the movie car for decades, the Spyker 12-16 HP Double Phaeton was returned to its original factory specification after its appearance on the big screen. Until the beginning of this year, the Dutch car was dark green and had a windscreen and a large soft top at the rear. Even after its first major restoration in the late 1960s, the Spyker retained its original factory trim, which differed from the light color scheme in the film. Because of its special film appearance and its permanent association with its co star in Genevieve, the owner, Louwman Museum, decided to return the Spyker to its movie configuration. Beneath the dark green paint, the movie color was discovered, as well as on the chassis. After an intensive restoration lasting several months, the Spyker now once again appears as a co leading character from the motion picture Genevieve.

In 2023 it is exactly 70 years since the film Genevieve premiered in England. The fictional story is about two men with a classic automobile who turn it into a competition. As the duel progresses, it is no longer about who has the fastest car; it becomes a personal battle. All this under the watchful eye of their female partners, who are annoyed by the behavior of their companions. The result is a comic portrayal of a race in which the gentlemen and ladies end up in laughable situations. The automotive lead roles are played by a Darracq 12-HP and a Spyker 12-16 Double Phaeton. A special detail in the film is that the 1904 Darracq is driven by John Gregson, who plays lawyer Alan McKim, even though he actually cannot drive at all. That the car survived the film is evident from the fact that it is now part of the Louwman Museum collection.

The Darracq 12 HP Genevieve and Spyker 12-16 hp Double Phaeton can be viewed from Friday 1 through Sunday 3 December 2023 during the 3rd edition of Prewar Days. This special fair is entirely dedicated to the prewar car and motorcycle industry. At Kortrijk Xpo, the organizers will fill more than 6,000 m2 with exclusive prewar classic cars, motorcycles, automobilia and parts, featuring exhibitors from 8 different European countries.

For more information: www.prewardays.be.
Info: Prewar Days 2023 from 1 to 3 December at Kortrijk Xpo.
Contact: Michael Bossaert +32 497 80 31 41 – Lawrence Bossaert +32 493 76 77 61 – mail: info@prewardays.be