Rolls-Royce: The Spirit of Ecstasy

Whether you’ve just acquired a new model or you’ve always wanted to purchase a Rolls-Royce of your own, you’re doubtlessly familiar with the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy: the small statuette that graces the hood of every vehicle in our lineup. Depicting a woman in flowing gowns, leaning forward as if to jump into the wind, this Rolls-Royce hood ornament statuette has often been identified colloquially as ‘the flying lady’.  However, there’s a deeper history and meaning here that every true Rolls-Royce fan should understand. Take a closer look at the Rolls-Royce hood ornament name, origin, and more with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena.

Origins and Meaning of the Rolls-Royce Mascot

The Rolls-Royce hood ornament name is the Spirit of Ecstasy. When does this Rolls-Royce hood emblem originate? The Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy dates all the way back to 1909, when the sculptor Charles Sykes captured the likeness of Eleanor Thornton. Already in 1911, Rolls-Royce started to place this figurine on every vehicle that they produced–and this was one mascot that started to turn heads right away! What did the Rolls-Royce hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, represent to those who saw it in 1911?

• At the time, the culture in London generally depicted women as passive, and as awaiting the actions and opinions of others.
• Nothing could have been further from the truth for Eleanor, who was a crucial force in the small group of motorists and enthusiasts who would found and brand Rolls-Royce as the premier luxury motorcar.
• The Spirit of Ecstasy’s active and engaged posture symbolizes freedom of thought and bold action. Her flowing dress is clearly reminiscent of the wings of a plane, and it symbolizes the freedom of movement and exploratory desire which fueled the birth of the Rolls-Royce brand.

Rolls-Royce owners aren’t like any other drivers in the world. They’re free thinkers and uncompromising individuals who don’t let convention dictate their lives or expectations. In many ways, they’re a lot like Eleanor, Charles Rolls, and Henry Royce themselves!

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena:
Your Guide to All Things Rolls-Royce

Looking for more information on Rolls-Royce vehicles or the Rolls-Royce hood emblem? Perhaps you’d like to learn more about the history of the brand, or explore options like the Starlight Roof Headliner and exclusive Rolls-Royce driver social media platform, Whispers.  No matter where your interest lies, count on Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena to point you in the right direction. We’re the preferred source for all things Rolls-Royce for drivers near Glendale and Burbank.