C S Rolls' Panhard on arrival at Bath, first day of the 1000 Mile Trial,...

C S Rolls' Panhard on arrival at Bath, first day of the 1000 Mile Trial, 1900. Photograph taken from an album of images compiled by English motor car manufacturer Charles Stewart Rolls (1877-1910), showing Rolls' Panhard (front) and S F Edge's Napier on arrival at Bath. The 1000 Mile Trial, which lasted 14 days during April and May 1900, was the first public demonstration in Britain of the motor car as a practical means of long distance travel. The route began in London, went west to Bristol and north to Edinburgh before returning to London. 65 cars started the event, and 23 completed the course, with Rolls the winner. Rolls went on to found Rolls-Royce Ltd with Frederick Henry Royce in 1906. Prior to forming the company, Rolls had a successful business assembling and selling imported French cars in London. Photographie. ©SSPL/Science Museum