What Is the Rolls-Royce Hood Ornament Called?

The Rolls-Royce hood ornament is officially called the “Spirit of Ecstasy.” It’s an iconic symbol of luxury, speed, and beauty that has adorned Rolls-Royce vehicles for over a century.

The Legend Behind the Spirit of Ecstasy

The Spirit of Ecstasy wasn’t just a random design plucked from thin air. Its creation is steeped in romance, secret love, and a commission that forever changed automotive history. To truly appreciate this emblem, we need to delve into its fascinating backstory.

The Secret Affair and a Vision of Speed

The story begins with Lord John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, a pioneer of the British motor industry and the publisher of The Car Illustrated magazine. Lord Montagu had a secret love affair with Eleanor Velasco Thornton, his secretary. Their relationship was passionate but discreet, given the social constraints of the time.

Montagu commissioned his friend, sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes, to create a personal mascot for his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Sykes, knowing of Montagu’s affair with Thornton, used Eleanor as the model for the sculpture. The resulting figure, initially called “The Whisperer,” depicted a woman in flowing robes pressing a finger to her lips – a symbol of their secret love.

From Whisper to Ecstasy: The Birth of an Icon

While “The Whisperer” was a beautiful piece, it was ultimately deemed too personal for broader use. In 1911, Rolls-Royce officially commissioned Sykes to create a mascot that would represent the values of the company: speed, silence, grace, and mystery.

Sykes revisited his earlier design, refining and evolving it into what we know today as the Spirit of Ecstasy. The figure now depicted a woman leaning forward with her arms outstretched behind her, her robes flowing in the wind, capturing the essence of effortless speed and silent power. The design was patented on February 6, 1911, and quickly became the hallmark of Rolls-Royce vehicles.

The Evolution of a Symbol

The Spirit of Ecstasy has undergone minor changes over the years, mostly in terms of size and material. Early versions were taller and made of heavier metals. As manufacturing techniques advanced, the figure became sleeker and lighter.

One notable change was the introduction of a kneeling version, designed for some pre-war models to better fit the vehicle’s styling. However, the core design and the symbolism remained constant. In 2022, Rolls-Royce unveiled a redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy for its all-electric Spectre model. This new version is more aerodynamic and streamlined, further enhancing the car’s efficiency and performance.

The Spirit of Ecstasy Today

Today, the Spirit of Ecstasy remains a powerful symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection. It’s more than just a hood ornament; it’s a statement. It represents the legacy of Rolls-Royce and its commitment to creating vehicles that are not just modes of transportation but works of art. The current version is made of stainless steel and can be finished in a variety of materials, including polished stainless steel, silver, gold, and even illuminated crystal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, addressing common curiosities and providing deeper insights.

1. Why is it called the “Spirit of Ecstasy”?

The name “Spirit of Ecstasy” was chosen by Charles Sykes to represent the feeling of effortless speed, silent power, and graceful beauty that Rolls-Royce vehicles embody. It’s meant to evoke a sense of exhilaration and wonder.

2. Is the Spirit of Ecstasy made of real silver or gold?

While the Spirit of Ecstasy is traditionally made of polished stainless steel, it can be optionally plated in silver or gold. Customers can customize their figures with various finishes to match their personal preferences.

3. Can the Spirit of Ecstasy be stolen easily?

Rolls-Royce has implemented a security feature that allows the Spirit of Ecstasy to retract into the hood when the car is parked or if it senses tampering. This helps to protect the emblem from theft and damage. The mechanism is activated by a sensor in the vehicle.

4. How much does it cost to replace a Spirit of Ecstasy?

Replacing a Spirit of Ecstasy can be quite expensive, typically costing several thousand dollars. The price depends on the material (standard stainless steel versus silver or gold plated) and the labor involved in installation.

5. Has the design of the Spirit of Ecstasy ever been challenged legally?

Yes, there have been instances where other companies have attempted to create similar hood ornaments, leading to legal challenges from Rolls-Royce to protect its trademark and design. Rolls-Royce has been very active in defending its intellectual property rights related to the Spirit of Ecstasy.

6. What is the “Whisperer”?

“The Whisperer” was the original sculpture created by Charles Sykes for Lord Montagu, using Eleanor Thornton as the model. It was a precursor to the Spirit of Ecstasy and depicted a woman pressing a finger to her lips, symbolizing their secret affair.

7. Is the Spirit of Ecstasy illuminated?

Yes, the Spirit of Ecstasy can be illuminated. Rolls-Royce offers an option where the figure is made of frosted crystal and illuminated from within, creating a stunning visual effect, especially at night.

8. How is the Spirit of Ecstasy attached to the car?

The Spirit of Ecstasy is attached to a specially designed mount on the hood of the Rolls-Royce vehicle. The mount incorporates the retraction mechanism, allowing the figure to disappear into the hood for security.

9. What are the dimensions of the Spirit of Ecstasy?

The current version of the Spirit of Ecstasy is approximately 3.9 inches tall. The dimensions have varied slightly over the years, with earlier versions being taller. The redesigned version introduced in 2022 is slightly shorter and more aerodynamic.

10. Can you customize the Spirit of Ecstasy?

Yes, Rolls-Royce offers extensive customization options for the Spirit of Ecstasy. Customers can choose different materials, finishes, and even have it personalized with engravings or other unique touches through Rolls-Royce Bespoke program.

11. Does the Spirit of Ecstasy improve the car’s aerodynamics?

The redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy introduced in 2022 is more aerodynamic than previous versions. While its primary purpose is aesthetic and symbolic, the new design contributes to the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle, particularly the all-electric Spectre.

12. What does the Spirit of Ecstasy symbolize today?

Today, the Spirit of Ecstasy continues to symbolize luxury, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection. It represents the enduring legacy of Rolls-Royce and its commitment to creating vehicles that are not just cars, but works of art. It is a potent symbol recognized around the globe as synonymous with unparalleled luxury and automotive excellence.