In this inaugural episode of Great Automotive Lives, I explore the extraordinary life, legacy and legend of Charles Rolls, the pioneering British engineer, aviator, and co-founder of the legendary Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Discover how Rolls' passion for automobiles and aviation helped shape the luxury car industry and revolutionise transportation in the early 20th century.

I delve into his groundbreaking partnership with Henry Royce, the birth of the iconic motoring marque, and how Rolls' daring spirit took him from the showroom to the skies. From his early days at Eton and Cambridge to becoming the first Briton to die in a powered aircraft accident, this is the story of a man driven by innovation, passion and his un-slakeable thirst for adventure.

Join me as I honor a true icon of automotive history whose name still defines luxury, excellence and exclusivity today.

Contact can be made with suggestions for future episodes, derision over pronunciation missteps or kind words of encouragement.

podcast@classiccarguy.co.uk

Here follow the promised links as covered in the "......Footsteps" section of the podcast:

Formerly the Hendre, Rolls's family home in Monmouthshire and now a golf club:

https://www.therollsgolfclub.co.uk/

The church that is home to Rolls's grave and memorial plaque in the chancel:

https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/church/st-cadocs-llangattock-vibon-avel-monmouthshire/

Information about the Charles Rolls statue in Monmouth:

https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/explore/famous-people/charles-rolls

Memorials around the site of Rolls's death near Bournemouth:

https://crht1910.org.uk/

The Blue Plaque in London outside the former Rolls-Royce offices and showrooms:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/charles-rolls/

Charles Rolls statue in Dover commemorating his historic channel crossing flight:

https://www.dover-kent.co.uk/people/rolls.html

I hope you enjoy learning more about this dishevelled giant and please join me again for a new and shiny episode of Great Automotive Lives.

Keywords: Charles Rolls, Rolls-Royce, automotive history, luxury cars, Great Automotive Lives podcast, Henry Royce, Silver Ghost, aviation pioneer, classic cars, early motoring legends, British automotive industry.