Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has just celebrated the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. On July 15th of this year, the British carmaker threw a 'birthday celebration' for its beloved and iconic hood ornament. 100 Rolls-Royce cars from 1911 to present models were on display 'in the courtyard at the Home of the super luxury car manufacturer in Goodwood, West Sussex.'
VIPs, media and locals including members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast's Club all mingled about, enjoyed seminars on the production of the Spirit of Ecstasy, saw the manufacturing plant, had a grand picnic lunch and even enjoyed a spot of tea. A very British affair indeed. Yes it was a grand affair, however the main focus was on the cars at the show. Led by the new Phantom Drophead Coupe, 100 Rolls-Royces lapped the Goodwood Motor Circuit and then continued their tour towards a weekend-long party. Amongst them were the full Phantom and Ghost ranges along with many historical and classic cars from Rolls-Royce's past.
From their press release, the "The Spirit of Ecstasy is perhaps the most famous automotive icon, gracefully adorning the prow of Rolls-Royce models past and present," said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "We were delighted to welcome our guests, and particularly our friends from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club and their magnificent motor cars, to the Home of Rolls-Royce for our historic celebratory day." The famous icon has adorned the radiators of every Rolls-Royce car since 1911.The mascot was designed by Charles Robinson Sykes.
It was modeled after a beautiful woman whose social status was far below that of her lover, prohibiting their relationship from being made public. The story of Eleanor Velasco Thornton and British automobile pioneer John Walter Edward-Scott-Montagu was kept a secret for more than a decade. First built for a friend and after seeing the class of the sculpture and noting the increasing popularity of hood ornaments on other automaker's cars, he was commissioned to build the Spirit of Ecstasy. Ever since he presented it to Rolls-Royce in February 1911, the model has become an intricate part of every Rolls-Royce.