Emile Pilain (France)

Emile Pilain was a French automobile manufacturer that operated briefly from 1930 to 1931. The company, officially known as SA des Etablissements Smile Pilain, was established in Levallois-Perret, Seine, after Smile Pilain departed from Rolland-Pilain in 1927. The firm focused on producing small cars, initially powered by a 935cc 5CV side-valve engine, which featured a 3-speed gearbox and Perrot brakes.

The company's offerings included a 2-door saloon and a faux-cabriolet. Notably, at the 1930 Paris Salon, Pilain showcased an elegant coupl de ville, which was referred to as the "poor man's Hispano-Suiza." This model was likely a one-off creation. The cabriolet was priced at 24,000 francs, which positioned it as a premium option compared to other 5CV models at the salon, such as the Peugeot 190S and the Rosengart, which were priced at 15,750 and 17,960 francs, respectively.

In 1931, the company expanded its lineup by introducing a 1226cc 7CV model that could accommodate a 4-door saloon body. However, despite these developments, the company faced challenges and was dissolved in December 1931. Production figures for Emile Pilain vehicles remain unclear, but it is estimated that fewer than 100 units were produced, with only five known to have survived. During its operation, Pilain also advertised the availability of new and second-hand cars from other manufacturers, particularly Citroen, Delage, Hotchkiss, and Talbot.