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 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 with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena.

Origins and Meaning of the Rolls Royce Mascot

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 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? 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.