For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has symbolized elegance and human achievement, inspiring numerous works of art, from music to photography and film. In 2024, as the brand marks its 120th anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pays tribute to its timeless muse in a unique Private Collection, Phantom Scintilla. This magnificent collection, based on the Phantom Extended – the ultimate canvas for personalization, celebrates the ethereal beauty, grace, and legacy of the Spirit of Ecstasy.
With only ten examples available globally, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Scintilla is a rare gem. Its design, inspired by the fleeting presence of the Spirit of Ecstasy, is a testament to its exclusivity. The interior features, reminiscent of the movement of her robes as the motor car glides by, add to its allure.
Graceful Bespoke embroidery throughout the interior captures the Spirit of Ecstasy’s elegant dynamism, culminating in a complex Gallery artwork. Carefully curated design features allude to the figurine’s origins with their references to Parian Marble: it was in this famed material that, more than 2,000 years ago, an unknown genius of Classical Greece sculpted The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the statue that inspired Claude Johnson’s original idea for a Rolls‑Royce mascot.
The name ‘Phantom Scintilla’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘spark’, a bright flash that is witnessed only for a moment. This name encapsulates the inspiration behind the design, which was Claude Johnson’s first flash of inspiration for a mascot, the Greek statue, and the Spirit of Ecstasy’s ethereal grace. It’s a design that leaves a lasting impression, much like the statue that inspired it.
“The unveiling of a Private Collection is always a landmark moment. These rare and collectible motor cars, limited to just a handful of examples worldwide, are true masterpieces. They illustrate the boundless ingenuity and skill of the creatives and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce and stimulate ideas among our clients for their own commissions. They also affirm Rolls-Royce’s status as an authentic luxury house. We do not simply build motor cars — we create rare, complex and exquisitely crafted super-luxury products that are highly prized by collectors today and will be cherished long into the future. We will expand our home in Goodwood to grow the scale of our Bespoke offering, and we will continue to craft the most intricate and sophisticated experiences and Bespoke luxury goods in the world. Phantom Scintilla, which honors our enduring muse, the Spirit of Ecstasy, perfectly expresses these principles,” commented Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
In 1910, Rolls-Royce Managing Director Claude Johnson commissioned sculptor and illustrator Charles Sykes to create a Rolls-Royce mascot. Johnson already had an inspiration in mind: on a trip to Paris, he had visited the Louvre and been greatly impressed by the Greek marble statue of a deity descending from the heavens – The Winged Victory of Samothrace, which dates from 190 BCE.
Charles Sykes, the sculptor and illustrator commissioned by Claude Johnson, had a unique vision for the Rolls-Royce mascot. He believed that a more delicate, ethereal figure would better express the marque’s grace, silence, and subtle power. It’s widely accepted that he drew inspiration from Eleanor Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and paramour, for what would become the Spirit of Ecstasy. In creating the Phantom Scintilla, the Bespoke Collective has revisited some of Johnson’s original inspiration, introducing new materials and subtle references to the captivating vision of The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
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