The Rolls-Royce “Spirit of Ecstasy,” officially known as the Spirit of Ecstasy, is the iconic hood ornament adorning every Rolls-Royce vehicle. Designed in 1911 by artist Charles Sykes, it depicts a gracefully poised, flowing female figure with her head tilted forward—a design inspired by a secret love story and modeled after Eleanor Thornton. Typically crafted from stainless steel or alloy with gold plating (not solid gold), high-end versions may feature pure gold, crystal, or luminous glass accents. A symbol of luxury, elegance, and exquisite craftsmanship, it also boasts an automatic retracting mechanism: it lowers into the car’s compartment during high speeds, collisions, or when the engine is turned off, enhancing both safety and anti-theft protection. Over more than a century, this emblem has transcended its role as a mere car badge, becoming synonymous with supreme prestige and status.