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.
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