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100 years of ecstasy, Rolls-Royce style

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Luc Gagné
February 6, 2011, will go down in Rolls-Royce history. That day, the Spirit of Ecstasy , also known as the Flying Lady, will turn 100! To celebrate this milestone, one hundred old and new Rolls-Royce models will parade through the heart of London, the first in a series of events organized to commemorate the start of the second century of the brand’s most memorable symbol.

On February 6, 2011, the Rolls-Royce hood ornament Spirit of Ecstasy will turn 100! (Photo Rolls-Royce)

Spirit of Ecstasy is the name that was given to the Rolls-Royce hood ornament in 1911. The ornament that will adorn every Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom built in 2011 will bear the inscription “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary – 2011” in ITC Willow font.

A disappearing trend
Hood ornaments are as old as the horseless carriage itself. In the beginning, they decorated the radiator cap, which was originally exposed to the elements.

The automakers quickly adopted these mascots to identify their particular brand of vehicle. Consumers could also buy them at the local hardware store or mechanic’s shop, just to personalize their own car, humble though it may have been. Around 1910, no self-respecting motorist would be caught dead driving a mascot-less car!

Today, these little statues have all but disappeared. Other than Rolls-Royce’s Flying Lady, the only ones we regularly see adorning standard models are the Mercedes Star and the “Leaper”, Jaguar’s famous pouncing feline.

Take it or leave it
Originally, some of these ornaments were true works of art, such as the elephant of the imposing Royales, sculpted by Rembrandt Bugatti for his brother, Ettore. There was also the “Tireur d’Arc” designed by American inventor William N. Schnell for the sumptuous Pierce-Arrow models, or the superb pieces created for the French glass-maker Lalique.

Eleanor Velasco Thornton was reportedly the inspiration for the elegant mascot created for Rolls-Royce by Charles Sykes. (Photo: Rolls-Royce)
Luc Gagné
Luc Gagné
Automotive expert
  • More than 30 years of experience as an automotive journalist
  • Over 59 test drives in the past year
  • Attended over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists