Henri Binder

Key facts

Founded

First mention in Paris in 1820 (family settled in France 1806)¹ Independently researched

Founder

Binder family of coachbuilders (Jean Jacques Binder named as Royal Coachbuilder)¹ Independently researched

Headquarters

Paris, France (31 rue du Colisée in 1928)¹ Independently researched

Status

Closed in 1951¹ Independently researched

History

The Binder firm grew out of a dynasty of coachbuilders that settled in France in 1806, and is first recorded in Paris in 1820; Jean Jacques Binder earned the title of Royal Coachbuilder. After Henry Binder's death in 1903 the company was run by a man named Cottenet, and by 1928 it was at 31 rue du Colisée. Jean-Baptiste Franay, founder of Carrosserie Franay, trained as a saddler with Binder. The firm closed in 1951; detailed documentation of its automobile period was not found beyond auction and enthusiast sources.

Milestones

1. 1928
   Binder bodied a Rolls-Royce 20HP cabriolet, one of only four known Binder cabriolets on this chassis.¹

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   1928 Rolls-Royce 20HP Cabriolet par Binder (lot 12) Level C Artcurial

   • only four Binder cabriolet bodies on Rolls-Royce 20HP known
   • first mention of the firm from 1820 in Paris; settled in France in 1806
   • "grew out of a dynasty of coachbuilders"; Jean Jacques Binder, Royal Coachbuilder
   • "31 rue du Colisée, Paris"
   • run by Cottenet after Henry Binder's death in 1903; closed in 1951
   • 1806, 1820, Jean Jacques Binder, Cottenet, rue du Colisée, closure 1951

   Accessed 2026-11-11
2. 2
   1947 Bentley Franay Drophead Coupe Level C Sports Car Digest

   • Franay trained as a saddler with Henri Binder

   Accessed 2026-11-11