Vintage Rolls-Royces honour Spirit of Ecstasy
  • 13 years ago

Rolls-Royce enthusiasts have paraded through central London to mark the 100th birthday of the luxury car brand's famous Spirit of Ecstasy symbol.

The event saw 100 models from throughout the marque's 107-year history gather, exactly a century after the iconic bonnet mascot was registered as a trademark.

The sculptor Charles Sykes is said to have created the graceful flying lady after Lord Montagu, an MP and early motoring enthusiast, commissioned him to create a car ornament modelled on his secret mistress Eleanor Thornton.

Since 1911, the winged figurine has graced the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce model.

Rolls-Royce say they are planning a number of other events this year to mark the centenary.
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