1922 Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpedo - Lot 85

1922 Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpedo No reserve - French registration - Chassis n° 5206 - Engine n° 5097 - Iconic and innovative brand - Original tulip-shaped torpedo bodywork Born in Tours, France, Rolland-Pilain established itself in the 1910s as one of the most daring French brands of the interwar period. Its 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine gave it flexibility and reliability, while its revolutionary hydraulic braking system marked a turning point in automotive history. One example even took part in the 1923 Le Mans 24 Hours, where it finished in 21ᵉ place, an honorable performance for a touring car at the time. Our Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpédo, chassis no. 5206, engine no. 5097, has been traceable since 1985. That year, it joined a private collection of five Rolland-Pilain models. The engine was refurbished in the 1990s by Ateliers Modernes in Bègles, along with brakes, paintwork and running boards (invoices not preserved). It then continued to run regularly, proving its mechanical reliability and solid design. It is worth noting, however, that a light overhaul will be required before taking to the road again. True to the original, this Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpédo is the perfect embodiment of the expertise and innovative spirit of the French automotive industry in the 1920s. Both sporty and elegant, it illustrates the brand's motto: "The ace car, the ace of cars!" 1922 Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpedo - French registration document - Chassis no. 5206 - Engine no. 5097 - Iconic and innovative brand - Original tulip-shaped torpedo bodywork Founded in Tours, Rolland-Pilain established itself in the 1910s as one of the most daring French brands of the interwar period. Its 2.2-litre 4-cylinder engine gave it flexibility and reliability, while its revolutionary hydraulic braking system marked a turning point in automotive history. One example even took part in the 1923 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it finished in 21st place, a respectable performance for a touring car at the time. Our Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpédo, chassis no. 5206, engine no. 5097, has been traceable since 1985. That year, it joined a private collection of five models from the brand. It remained there until 2020, when it was acquired by its current owner at auction. The engine was renovated in the 1990s by Ateliers Modernes in Bègles, along with the brakes, paintwork and running boards (invoices not retained). It then continued to run regularly, proof of its mechanical reliability and solid design. It should be noted, however, that a light overhaul will be necessary before it can be put back on the road. True to the original, this Rolland-Pilain Type R Torpédo perfectly embodies the expertise and innovative spirit of the French automotive industry in the 1920s. Both sporty and elegant, it illustrates the brand's motto: 'The car of champions, the champion of cars!'