Rolls-Royce Logo
A Rolls-Royce is one of the most sought-after motor cars in the world, with the marque being synonymous with luxury and refinement. The Rolls-Royce Logo and the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ figurine are both timeless classics. Whilst the cars look very different, the branding of the logo has more than stood the test of time.
The Rolls-Royce Logo
Accredited to the MD at the time, Claude Johnson, the Rolls-Royce Logo is a rectangular design in the portrait format. Two capital ‘R’ letters, with one overlaying the other, signify the bond between the founders, Henry Rolls and Charles Royce. The names ‘Rolls’ and ‘Royce’ sit above and below in this tri-sectional design.
Rolls Royce Logo
The typefaces involved seem to be Gill Sans Light for the founders’ names, and Souvenir Gothic for the double R. Rounded corners add class and sophistication to the marque.
The Spirit of Ecstasy
With hood ornaments becoming increasingly popular at the time, the then MD Claude Johnson along with the sculptor Charles Robinson Syke came up with the stunning ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ figurine.
The figurine has a bold forward motion with arms thrown back and her dress unfurling like wings behind.
Spirit of Ecstasy
Johnson described the Spirit of Ecstasy as “Speed with silence, absence of vibration – the mysterious harnessing of great energy and a living organism of superb grace.”
Robinson also commented on the creation, saying “a graceful little goddess, who has selected road travel as her supreme delight.”
1884
Henry Royce
Henry Royce established his engineering business
1904
First Car Built
Henry Royce built his first car
1904
May 1904
The Meeting
Henry Royce met Charles Rolls and agreed to supply him with motor cars
March 1906
Rolls-Royce formed
March 1906
1906
Silver Ghost Unveiled
1914
First Aero Engine designed
The Eagle engine powered half of Britain’s aerial war effort
1914
1931
‘R’ Aero Engine
The ‘R’ Aero Engine established a new world air speed record of over 400mph
1940
Merlin Aero Engine
The Rolls-Royce Merlin powered Hurricanes and Spitfires in WW2
1940
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Rolls-Royce car built?
The first Rolls-Royce car, the Silver Ghost, was launched in 1906
Who founded Rolls-Royce?
The company was founded in 1906 by Charles Royce and Henry Rolls
Who is Rolls-Royce owned by?
Rolls-Royce is now a subsiduary of BMW after the German motor company licensed the rights to the Rolls–Royce brand name and logo from Rolls–Royce PLC and acquired the rights to the Spirit of Ecstasy and Rolls–Royce grille shape trademarks from Volkswagen AG.
