Rolls-Royce, the British luxury car manufacturer, is celebrating the 112th anniversary of its iconic hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The Spirit of Ecstasy is a symbol of luxury and elegance, and it has become synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand.

The history of the Spirit of Ecstasy dates back to 1911, when Rolls-Royce commissioned sculptor Charles Sykes to create a statuette that would embody the spirit of the brand. Sykes was inspired by the image of a young woman, Eleanor Velasco Thornton, who had been the personal secretary and mistress of John Scott Montagu, a motoring enthusiast and early investor in the Rolls-Royce company.

Sykes created a bronze sculpture of Thornton, with her arms outstretched and her dress flowing in the wind. The sculpture was mounted on the front of the company's cars, and it became known as the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Over the years, the design of the Spirit of Ecstasy has undergone several changes, with the original bronze sculpture being replaced by a stainless steel version in 1965. The ornament has also been made more aerodynamic to improve the car's performance.

Today, the Spirit of Ecstasy is one of the most recognizable symbols of luxury and elegance in the world. It has become a hallmark of the Rolls-Royce brand, and it is celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

To mark the 112th anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce has released a special collection of cars that feature the iconic hood ornament. The collection includes the Dawn, Ghost, and Wraith models, each of which has been customized to celebrate the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The cars in the collection feature a unique silver and black color scheme, with the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament in polished silver. The interior of the cars has also been customized with special materials and finishes that reflect the luxury and elegance of the Rolls-Royce brand.

In conclusion, the Spirit of Ecstasy is an iconic symbol of luxury and elegance that has become synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand. Its history and design are a testament to the company's commitment to excellence and innovation, and it continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The special collection of cars released to mark the 112th anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy is a fitting tribute to this iconic symbol, and it showcases the company's dedication to craftsmanship and customization.