The Story Behind the Spirit of Ecstasy Mascot

Posted: 04.17.09

At the Gilmore Car Museum outside Grand Rapids, appraiser Eric Silver talked antique car mascots with Mark Walberg.

The "Spirit of Ecstasy" is a symbol of Rolls-Royce luxury, and an enduring icon in its own right.

 

Passion. Drama. Secrecy. Tragedy. All of these are part of the origin story of Rolls-Royce's "Spirit of Ecstasy." On the face of it, this car mascot — known in the U.S. as a hood ornament — is a graceful work of art meant to parallel and portray the elegance and style of a Rolls-Royce automobile. Look beneath the surface, and it's also an enduring symbol of a secret love affair. At the Gilmore Car Museum, appraiser Eric Silver shared highlights of the mascot's story, and we found a great article that gives a fuller picture of the "Spirit of Ecstasy."

Read "The Story Behind the Spirit of Ecstasy Mascot" »

From icons.org.uk, a UK Web site on British culture

See the Grand Rapids, Michigan (2009) page for a list of all appraisals from this city.

See Also:
The Web site of the Gilmore Car Museum.