Do you know what the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' of Rolls-Royce represents?

If we pause for a moment and think about the various badges of car manufacturers, we are sure that the one we are going to talk about today will not leave you indifferent. It is the one that presides over the front of the impressive models of Rolls-Royce. It is so important that it even has its own name: Spirit of Ecstasy or Spirit of Ecstasy. Moreover, it has just celebrated its 110th anniversary.

The emblem that sits at the front of every car built at the brand’s Goodwood plant was first registered as intellectual property of Rolls-Royce on 6 February 1911. Its design has remained the same over the years but, while the first cars from the British firm carried emblems 18 cm tall, today they measure just 9.5 centimetres.

The Spirit of Ecstasy of Rolls-Royce, a true emblem

Fitted to all Rolls-Royce vehicles since 1920, the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, or ‘Flying Lady‘ as it is also known, can be made from different materials, including frosted glass or 24-carat gold, which means some units can cost as much as or more than a new car.

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“As an emblem, the Spirit of Ecstasy represents far more than our company and our products,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “For our customers, she is a powerful symbol, instantly and universally recognised, of success, effort, achievement and prestige. In her beauty, simplicity, elegance and rarity, she encapsulates everything our customers seek and find in their Rolls-Royce car.”

The Spirit of Ecstasy is inspired by a bronze statuette created by sculptor and illustrator Charles Sykes. Called ‘Whispering Death’, it was created for Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, a motoring pioneer and an early supporter of Rolls-Royce. “Within our company, the Spirit of Ecstasy fosters pride and team spirit, uniting and empowering the Rolls-Royce family around the world. She reminds us of our heritage and principles, and inspires us to greatness. Every car we build must be worthy of carrying her, because she is what makes every Rolls-Royce and our company unique and complete,” added Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce.

As a curiosity, it is worth noting that the Spirit of Ecstasy remains hidden out of sight, inside a special housing inserted into the bonnet. When the engine starts, she rises smoothly on a mechanism called ‘the ascent‘. A true display of exclusivity and elegance!