An Aristocratic Hobbyist... Charles Stewart Rolls... [PIC]

Prior to the Great War, scions of the aristocratic houses of England were free to indulge in their passions. Charles Rolls early passion for automobiles was matched by his desire to be in the air. Rolls brought a Peugeot back to England when it was only the third automobile in the country. His fortuitous partnering with Henry Royce in1904 lead to this long lasting brand. By 1910 Rolls-Royce was already successful with their 70 HP Silver Ghost. A record holding ballonist, He had coachbuilder H. J. Mulliner build what became the "Balloon Car" with a long rear deck and flexible patent leather rear fenders to carry the Balloon basket. That same year, he made the record round trip over the English Channel in a Wright biplane. That same year, Rolls died in that biplane. The House of Rolls didn't survive World War l as his brothers died at Somme and but 1923, the balloon car mysteriously disappeared. Two copies of the balloon car have been built and this Franklin Mint model is of one of them.

BTW: can you imagine what it would be like trying to hang on in that rumble seat on a bumpy road?