Rolland-Pilain Type B25 classic car for sale

History of the Rolland-Pilain Type B25

Founded in 1905 in Tours, France by François Rolland and Émile Pilain, Rolland-Pilain started as a business specialising in the sale and overhaul of existing automobiles. Soon, they began developing vehicles under their own name. The Type B25 embodies the manufacturer's approach from the 1920s: craftsmanship, attention to detail, and robust mechanical engineering. Constructed on a solid wood cabin frame, it reflects both the aesthetics and technological state of pre-war luxury vehicles. Rolland-Pilain remained a niche producer compared to larger French brands, cultivating a reputation for distinctive styling and passenger comfort aimed at affluent buyers of the era.

Model History

The Rolland-Pilain Type B25 was developed as part of the company’s strategy to offer luxury and comfort for upper-class clients. It features design cues and engineering solutions tailored for spaciousness and passenger amenities typical of the brand’s leadership during the early 20th century. Predecessors of the Type B25 were characterised by smaller chassis and simpler interiors, while the later models after the B25 saw refinements primarily in drivetrain and luxury appointments before the brand faded from prominence.

Highlights of the Rolland-Pilain Type B25

• Six-seater Coupé de Ville with authentic green and black paintwork • Wooden cabin frame construction, as per early 20th-century techniques • Retractable fabric roof for the driver’s compartment • Original instruments and interior controls maintained or restored to period-correct condition • 4-cylinder engine delivering 25 hp coupled to a 4-speed manual gearbox • Historical significance as a luxury vehicle for wealthy clients • Emissions standard: Euro 0 (reflecting its period-correct status)

Statistically, the Type B25 is the sole representative under its manufacturer code, accounting for 100% of the Rolland-Pilain listings and listing views. This absolute share shows both its rarity and its exclusive position in the Rolland-Pilain line-up.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No specific limited or commemorative editions of the Type B25 are documented. Each surviving example can, however, be considered a collectible due to the combination of rarity, original craftsmanship, and status as a well-preserved pre-war luxury vehicle.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to the age and materials—particularly the wooden frame and fabric top—potential buyers should pay close attention to possible wood rot, ageing of fabric components, and the wear on mechanical controls and original upholstery. Originality of the interior fittings and completeness of period-correct instruments also play a critical role in evaluating authenticity and value. As with most cars of this era, regular care and expert knowledge are essential for ongoing preservation.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Equipped with a 4-cylinder engine producing 25 hp and paired with a 4-speed gearbox, the Type B25 was designed for relaxed, comfortable journeys rather than speed. Its ride comfort and handling reflect the standards of luxury vehicles from its era, featuring rudimentary brakes, suspension, and steering systems that demand significant driver engagement. The car’s large, padded interior and the robust mechanical layout made it well-suited for chauffeured transport of affluent passengers.

Popular variants within the Rolland-Pilain line-up are rare, but the B25 represents the brand’s core engineering achievements in luxury vehicle design and construction. Within the Rolland-Pilain brand, the Type B25 is the principal model represented, showcasing the marque’s focus on passenger comfort and luxury during the early 20th century.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Rolland-Pilain Type B25 boasts a body executed as a six-passenger Coupé de Ville, notable for its wooden frame construction and period-correct green and black livery. Wooden wheels with rubber tyres capture the engineering solutions of its time, while the retractable fabric roof gave the driver protection from the elements. Inside, authentic materials and detailing echo the standards of French high society transport—fully padded seating for six, preserved instruments, and controls in original pattern. Accessories remained minimal but of high quality, tailored to the personal taste of its original clientele. The intactness of original design elements and upholstery marks surviving examples as exceptional representations of early automotive luxury.

Other features

The B25’s design enabled Rolls-Royce-style comfort for its owners, and its construction methods now pose challenges for restoration. Specialist skills in woodworking, vintage coachbuilding, and sourcing period-correct materials are required to properly maintain and restore a Type B25.

Summary

The Rolland-Pilain Type B25 signifies luxury and craftsmanship from a formative era in French automotive history, representing the entirety of the Classic Trader Rolland-Pilain market. Rarity, historical value, and unique engineering set the B25 apart for collectors focused on genuine pre-war luxury automobiles with verifiable provenance and authentic features.