3 Fascinating Facts About the Rolls-Royce Inspired Bonnet Mascot You Probably Didn’t Know

 


For Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, the bonnet mascot, known as the Spirit of Ecstasy, is more than just a car ornament—it’s an iconic symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, with a legacy that stretches back to 1911. But what makes this emblem so revered? Here are three intriguing facts that might surprise and delight you as a Rolls-Royce owner or collector.

 

1. It Never Had Wings

The Rolls-Royce hood ornament has been a symbol of the brand almost since the car's inception. Though it has been redesigned about a dozen times, it remains one of the most recognizable aspects of the marque. At first glance, the Spirit of Ecstasy might appear to have wings, perhaps suggesting speed or flight. However, those aren’t wings—they’re flowing robes. In 2022, Rolls-Royce redesigned the emblem to be more aerodynamic. The original figure stood with feet together, leaning forward slightly. The new design presents her as a “speed goddess,” with one leg forward, body low, and eyes focused ahead—embodying the essence of motion and grace.

 

2. BMW Paid $40 Million for the Rights to the Mascot

When BMW sought to acquire Rolls-Royce in 2002, they found themselves in a unique situation. Volkswagen owned the rights to the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy emblem. To gain full control of the luxury brand, BMW paid Volkswagen an impressive $40 million just for the rights to this treasured symbol, highlighting its immense value and significance to the Rolls-Royce brand.

 

3. The Illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy Was Banned in the EU

The Spirit of Ecstasy is typically a static, elegant figure. However, in 2016, Rolls-Royce introduced an illuminated version, allowing the emblem to glow with a soft, ethereal light. Despite its popularity among enthusiasts, the illuminated version ran into regulatory challenges. The European Union deemed it a source of light pollution, leading to a ban on the glowing design within EU countries.

 

If you’re captivated by the Spirit of Ecstasy and want a Rolls Royce inspired bonnet mascot replica as a standalone sculpture, we can create a bespoke piece tailored to your vision.

As project managers and designers with a deep passion for art and technology, our team specializes in crafting unique pieces that perfectly align with our customer’s taste. Visit us at luxurycarsculpture.com to explore our previous works and contact us for a personalized consultation.

Source : https://luxurycarsculpture.com/3-fascinating-facts-about-the-rolls-royce-bonnet-mascot-you-probably-didnt-know/

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