Homeland Museum Knjaževac, 27 August 2025
On a warm summer evening, the Homeland Museum in Knjaževac hosted a remarkable event titled “Sibinović – In the Footsteps of a Family.” Held in the courtyard of the historic Sibinović house, built in 1906, the gathering transported visitors back to the golden age of early motoring and civic life in Serbia.
The museum itself is a cultural monument of early 20th-century civil architecture, originally constructed as a dual-family residence for the Sibinović family. More than a century later, the home stands as a symbol of modernization and progress in Knjaževac – values embodied by the Sibinovićs themselves.
The evening opened with music from the 1920s and 1930s, specially selected for this event by Radio Belgrade to set the authentic atmosphere. Milica Mihajlović, art historian and director of the Homeland Museum, welcomed guests, followed by speeches from the museum’s historians who shared fascinating details about the Sibinović family, their home, and their role in the town’s development.
One highlight was the presentation by Aleksandar Vidojković, member of the Association of Historical Vehicle Enthusiasts and member of the FIVA Culture Commission, who vividly illustrated not only the history of first vehicles in Knjaževac but also the family’s passion for automobiles with rare archival photographs and stories about their pioneering travels.
The event was further enriched by personal memories. Dragan Zlatanović, grandson of Dragutin Zlatanović – the family’s chauffeur – who spoke movingly about his grandfather’s experiences. Equally touching was the contribution of Vesna Sibinović Milenković, granddaughter of Dragomir Sibinović, who shared family photographs and memories, literally bringing the past to life.
A truly magical moment came when a 1931 Pontiac Type 6 rolled into the courtyard, parking in front of the original Sibinović garage. For a brief instant, it felt as though time had turned back, and the elegance of the interwar era had returned to Knjaževac.
The Sibinović Legacy
Dragomir Sibinović was not only an industrialist – owning the “Good Luck” coal mine in the nearby village of Vina – but also a passionate motorist. The Sibinović family epitomized the spirit of modernity as highlighted below:
The First Car in Knjaževac: In the early 20th century, Dragomir Sibinović purchased a Ford Model T – the very first automobile in the town. His driver was the trusted Dragutin Zlatanović.
The Lincoln Era: The family subsequently acquired a 1926 Lincoln L Model 123B Sports Phaeton, produced by the American Body Company. With this luxurious car, they travelled to the Rogaska Slatina spa in Slovenia and beyond. Locals fondly recalled: “The comfort was so colossal I can’t even tell you. Everything was tapestry.”
Motoring with the Automobile Club: As a member of the Automobile Club of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Dragomir participated in many activities. In 1930, he joined a joint tour organized with the Automobile Club of Romania, driving his Lincoln across Serbia, Montenegro, Dubrovnik, the Adriatic coast, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.
The Packard Years: In 1930, the family purchased a new car, a 1930 Packard 733 Standard Eight. Locals remembered it as “a dark blue limousine with a badge on the radiator showing two hands and a wreath.”
A Journey to Prague: With the Packard, from the dates of July 1 -10, 1932, Dragomir travelled to Prague to attend the 9th Sokol Slet, the great gymnastics festival celebrating the 100th birthday of Sokol founder Miroslav Tyrš. More than 200,000 gymnasts participated, and the event drew close to one million spectators. This trip was organized by the Automobile Club of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia,
A Celebration of Heritage
The evening at the Homeland Museum was not only about cars – it was about people, memories, and the intertwining of family and local history. Thanks to the contributions of historians, descendants, and enthusiasts, the story of the Sibinović family came alive once more, celebrating their pioneering role in bringing modernity to Knjaževac.
And when the classic Pontiac gleamed in the courtyard, the past was no longer just remembered – it was experienced.
Dobrica Vidojkovic D.V.
