Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy is now 110 years old

Remember that iconic statuette at the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce vehicle? It has now reached the supercentenarian age of being the company’s official emblem.

Last February 6, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked the 110th anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy after the intellectual property of the design was registered on February 1911. Almost unaltered throughout her long and storied life, the Spirit of Ecstasy has become one of the iconic and desirable symbols of luxury in the world.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars shared the design came from a bronze statuette ‘Whisper’, which was created by Sculptor and Illustrator Charles Sykes for his employer, motoring pioneer and Rolls-Royce early-adopter Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

Unlike the three ¾ inches (9.5 centimeters) seen today, the first Spirit of Ecstasy figurines stood a seven inches (18cm) tall. This figurine is kept out of sight within a special housing in the bonnet until the engine starts, when she takes the stage smoothly and gracefully by a precisely engineered mechanism known as 'the rise'.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös expressed pride over the milestone that the company mascot has reached.

"As an emblem, the Spirit of Ecstasy represents far more than just our company and our products. To our customers, she is a potent symbol, instantly and universally recognised – of success, endeavour, achievement and standing. In her beauty, simplicity, elegance and rarity, she encapsulates everything our customers seek – and find – in their Rolls-Royce motor car,” the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief explained.

“Within our company, the Spirit of Ecstasy fosters pride and esprit de corps, uniting and empowering the Rolls-Royce family right across the world. She reminds us of our inheritance and principles, and inspiring greatness in all of us. Every car we build must be worthy of bearing her, because it is she that makes every Rolls-Royce, and our company, unique and complete."

Photos from Rolls Royce Motor Cars

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