Celebrating the Spirit of Ecstasy
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its iconic emblem, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The intellectual property for this design was registered in February 1911, making it the most distinctive feature of the Rolls-Royce brand and one of the most recognized and alluring symbols of luxury worldwide.
The emblem has witnessed a long and illustrious journey, maintaining its unique form as it graces the hood of every Rolls-Royce vehicle produced at the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood.
The Design of the Spirit of Ecstasy
The design is inspired by the bronze statuette "Wisp" created by sculptor Charles Sykes for his client, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who was a passionate car enthusiast and an early supporter of the Rolls-Royce brand since its inception.
Furthermore, the company continues to bridge the gap between the automotive world and the realm of art through its artistic program "Muse," which is a primary supporter of motion picture art.
Dimensions and Details
The first Spirit of Ecstasy statuette measured approximately 18 centimeters in height. Today, it stands smaller at 9.5 centimeters. The statuette remains hidden from view within a special compartment beneath the hood until the car is started, at which point it gracefully and elegantly emerges through a meticulously designed mechanism known as "The Rise."
Statements from the CEO
On this occasion, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated:
"The Spirit of Ecstasy is not only the emblem of our brand and products; it represents for our customers a prominent symbol of success, effort, achievement, and prestige recognized worldwide. The emblem embodies beauty, simplicity, elegance, and rarity, encapsulating everything our customers seek in a Rolls-Royce vehicle. Within the company, the Spirit of Ecstasy fosters a sense of pride and unity, bringing the Rolls-Royce family around the world together and inspiring them to achieve greatness while reminding them of the heritage and noble principles we uphold. We ensure that every car we build is worthy of carrying the statuette, as it is the element that makes every Rolls-Royce and our company unique and complete."
