PreWarCar of the Week: a 1911 Société des Automobiles Pilain (SAP)

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The PreWarCar of the Week is a 1911 Société des Automobiles Pilain (SAP).

François Pilain made his first cars, with 2- and 4-cylinder engines, in 1902. But the production of twin-cylinder engines ended after two years. Despite the fact, you do not hear about the make that often, SAP built approximately one chassis a day in 1906 and 1907. During these two years, the automobile manufacturer from Lyon built 4.1-liter and 8.6-litre engines. To which later a small six-cylinder model was added. Our old friend Geogiano said the following about the technique of the car; “The drive was independent of the rear axle, by two shafts to internally-toothed rings, with a dead axle beneath. The principle was the same as that used by De Dion, the aim being to allow the axle to move in relation to the frame without recourse to chain drive.” Every car was meticulously constructed and therefore very expensive. Sadly enough in 1908 the company was placed in liquidation but continued to exist under the supervision of de Villeneuve. Not long after our PreWarCar of the Week was produced…

The Pilain we see here is a 1911 Type 4.0. The current owner started restoring the car but was unfortunately not able to finish the project. Though, he already did quite some work to the Pilain. The 10/12 Cheval Vapeur engine, 4-speed gearbox, brakes and mechanics are all overhauled.

As can be seen in the photographs there are two bodies that come with the car. Both the original body and a beautiful original dark blue rear entrance Tonneau body (which came from a Bianchi). The spoke wheels are restored, and the wooden rims renewed. Also, the round ‘barrel’ radiator which is so distinctive for SAP is renewed. The only missing part is the bonnet. So basically it is a matter of putting it all together. For € 62500,00 you can finish this wonderful project. With the original Carte Grise (French Certificat d’immatriculation) and a lot of other documentation, it will be a piece of cake to get this Pilain back on the road!

See this 1911 Société des Automobiles Pilain for sale in our online marketplace.

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