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On May 4, 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commemorates the 120th anniversary of the initial encounter between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls. While the founders’ personal narratives and the history of the company they established are widely documented, Rolls-Royce reflects on the historical, technological, and social milieu that facilitated the birth of the marque and the enduring influence of the Rolls-Royce name over the past 120 years. To truly grasp the origins and legacy of the marque, it is essential to delve deeper into the activities of the founders leading up to their seminal meeting in 1904.
HENRY ROYCE: THE ENGINEER Henry Royce’s journey commenced in late 1884 with the establishment of his first engineering venture, F. H. Royce & Co., in Manchester. Initially crafting small items like battery-powered doorbells, the company evolved to manufacture heavy equipment such as overhead cranes and railway shunting capstans. However, by 1902, the company faced financial strain due to competition from cheaper imports, exacerbated by Royce’s unwillingness to compromise on quality. Struggling with declining health, Royce embarked on a restorative trip to South Africa where his encounter with “The Automobile: Its Construction and Management” sparked his interest in motor car engineering. Upon his return to England, he meticulously analyzed and improved upon a French 10 H.P. Decauville, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.