Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Car Mascot

A fine Rolls Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, dated 6.2.11, marked RR Ltd, mounted to a stunning bespoke base.

The Spirit of Ecstasy is the famous mascot that has adorned the bonnet of Rolls-Royce motor cars for over a century, and it has its own rich history.

Origins

• Created in 1911 by sculptor Charles Sykes at the request of Rolls-Royce managing director Claude Johnson.
• The model was Eleanor Velasco Thornton, secretary and muse to motoring enthusiast Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who was a close friend of Johnson.
• The first mascots were small silver-plated figures showing a woman leaning forward with her arms stretched behind her, clothing flowing like wings — symbolizing speed, grace, and silent power.