Ever since I watched a programme about the mechanical details of their cars and those behind the movement, I’ve been fascinated.
The Spirit of Ecstasy doesn’t just rise; it performs a precise two-step movement, gliding smoothly upward and then tilting slightly forwards, a tiny design decision that shows Rolls-Royce’s obsession with detail.
If you haven’t seen it, go and google it.
I later found out that behind this automotive icon lies a human story. First introduced in 1911, the Spirit of Ecstasy was inspired by Eleanor Velasco Thornton, who worked at Rolls-Royce, and sculpted by fellow colleague Charles Sykes.
Over a century on, and despite some modifications, the Spirit of Ecstasy still symbolises motion, elegance and the human spirit behind every car they produce. It is branding at its best… though having looked on YouTube, I still prefer the detailing in the original version.
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