Rovin
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Founder | Raoul Pegulu, Marquis of Rovin |
| Defunct | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Near Paris , France |
| Products | Automobiles, motorcycles |
Rovin was a French automobile manufacturer located near Paris, primarily active from 1946 until 1959, with a notable decline in output after 1953. Established in 1921 as a motorcycle enterprise by racing driver and engineer Raoul Pegulu, Marquis of Rovin (1896–1949), the company's automotive operations were transferred to Raoul's brother Robert following 1946, who assumed leadership after Raoul’s passing.
Initial ventures into car manufacturing
During the 1930s, Raoul Rovin managed a sports car showroom on Boulevard Pereire in Paris. Although his main focus was on vehicle sales, he unveiled a small automobile of his own creation at the 20th Paris Motor Show in October 1926. This model, called the "Monocar," was equipped with a single-cylinder 480cc engine producing 4CV and was available in two variants: the "Monocar Sport" priced at 19,000 francs and the supercharged "Monocar Record" offered at 22,000 francs.
The Manufacturing Facility
Following World War II, expanded production capabilities were necessary, prompting Rovin to purchase the former Delaunay-Belleville factory in 1946. Previously renowned for luxury automobiles and military trucks, this site was adapted for producing compact and economical vehicles tailored to the financial realities of postwar France.
Rovin Type D1
The prototype for the Rovin D1 made its first appearance at the 1946 Paris Motor Show. This small convertible was powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine of 260 cc, placing it within the 2CV fiscal horsepower class with an output of 6.5 hp. It featured a three-speed transmission and claimed a maximum speed of 70 km/h (44 mph). The design was minimalist, lacking doors and incorporating a unique single headlight centrally positioned on its sloped front end.
Rovin Type D2
Manufacturing of the Rovin D2 commenced in 1947 at the Saint-Denis facility. It qualified under the 2CV fiscal horsepower category and was driven by a rear-mounted flat twin 423 cc four-stroke water-cooled engine producing 10 hp, paired with a three-speed gearbox. Its top speed ranged from 70 to 80 km/h (44-50 mph).
The compact vehicle measured only 2800 mm in length with a wheelbase of 1700 mm and weighed approximately 300 kg due to its lightweight build. The battery was accessible via a front hatch. The car was equipped with two headlights.
While mainly distributed within France, the D2 also reached francophone Swiss markets and was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in early 1948. Production totaled around 700 units during the years 1947 and 1948.
Rovin Type D3
Building upon much of the D2's mechanical foundation, the D3 introduced an entirely new ponton-style body that included doors. Headlights remained mounted externally, likely as a cost-saving measure. The addition of doors and windows increased the vehicle’s weight to roughly 380 kg, with a declared top speed of 75 km/h (47 mph).
Approximately 800 units of the D3 were produced between 1948 and 1950. A limited number were exported to Uruguay during this timeframe.
Rovin Type D4
The D4 represented an evolution of the D3 featuring a larger front grille and headlights positioned higher yet still externally mounted. Its two-cylinder engine capacity increased to 462 cc, delivering an output of 13 hp. The overall length extended to 3150 mm with a wheelbase measuring 1800 mm.
Upgrades included a four-speed manual transmission that enhanced its maximum speed to 85 km/h (53 mph). By late 1952, minor styling tweaks and suspension refinements were implemented.
Production figures indicate about 1,200 units manufactured between 1950 and 1953; however, output sharply declined to only around 110 vehicles in 1953. Although listed for sale for several subsequent years, detailed production data beyond this period remain unclear.
References
- David Burgess Wise, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Automobiles.
- Harald H. Linz, Halwart Schrader: Die große Automobil-Enzyklopädie, BLV, München 1986
- G.N. Georgano: Autos. Encyclopédie complète. 1885 à nos jours. Courtille, 1975 (French)