Rolland-Pilain

Rolland-Pilain was a French car manufacturer founded on November 4, 1905, in Tours by François Rolland and Émile Pilain. Rolland was a successful local businessman in the wine industry, while Pilain had a technical background and was trained by his uncle who established Société des Automobiles Pilain. The company initially started by repairing and selling motor vehicles before producing their own cars in 1907. The business relocated in 1911, and the company became a limited liability company. Despite limited financial resources, Rolland-Pilain cars were known for pioneering innovative solutions, including hydraulic brakes, and produced a range of models from family cars to sports and luxury cars.

Rolland-Pilain was a French car maker that was established in Tours in 1905 by François Rolland and Émile Pilain. Rolland was a successful businessman in the wine industry, while Pilain had a technical background, having been trained by his uncle who established the Société des Automobiles Pilain (SAP). They started by repairing and selling motor vehicles before producing their own cars in 1907. The company relocated to Place Rabelais in 1911 and became a limited liability company. Despite their limited financial resources, Rolland-Pilain cars introduced many innovative features, such as hydraulic brakes. The company participated in various racing events including the Grand Prix races and Le Mans 24 hours, with their greatest success being in the 1923 San Sebastián Grand Prix. The company faced financial difficulties and lost control of the business in 1926, leading to the end of automobile production in 1927 and eventual closure in 1932.