Rolls Royce' Spirit of Ecstasy turns 100
Posted by @ 14:48 1st Mar 2011
Rolls Royce's iconic hood ornament, the 'Spirit of Ecstasy', turned one-hundred-years-old recently, and the centenary was commemorated with a nostalgic motor parade in London, Auto Express reported.
One hundred Rolls Royce's of all models and ages were driven through the capital city in a tribute to the mascot. Spectators watched as a Springfield Phantom and Springfield Ghost drove past, joined by Silver Ghosts, Clouds, Shadows, Spurs and contemporary Phantoms.
The route passed through places of significance: Charles Rolls' birthplace in Mayfair, the current Rolls HQ in Berkeley Square, and the site on Brompton Road which is said to be the studio where the Ecstasy was created by sculptor Charles Sykes.
The Spirit of Ecstasy was copyrighted on 6 February, 1911. According to The New York Times, at the time Sykes received the commission, hood ornaments were something that motorists added themselves - often resembling tacky emblems or figurines.
Claude Johnson, the then-chief of Rolls Royce, wanted to stamp out the gaudiness and replace it with something classier. However, founder Henry Royce refused to adorn his car with Ecstasy, and Charles Rolls died before it was created.
Those whose wallets won't quite stretch permanently to a Rolls Royce can join in the celebrations by using a vintage car hire service; which allows drivers to enjoy the inimitable and unforgettable experience of driving the classic cars, without the financial burden that owning one brings.
Author: Elizabeth Smythe
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