The partnership between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce has provided the world with almost 100 years of automobile engineering design and perfection. Even today, Rolls-Royce is considered to be the standard by which excellence is judged and represents the ultimate in class, quality and style. In addition, Rolls Royce is the most recognized name in the world.

The Motorcars
With just a few exceptions, all Rolls Royce motorcars start off with the name Silver. This word has everything to do with tradition and nothing to do with color. The word after Silver tells you which decade(s) that particular Rolls Royce was manufactured. Everyone has heard of the most famous Rolls-Royce – it is called the Silver Ghost. The Silver Ghost was manufactured from 1906 to 1927. For a short time, Rolls-Royce operated a manufacturing plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Rolls-Royces manufactured there are referred to as “Springfield Silver Ghosts”, or for a shorter version, “Springfield Ghosts.”

Some of the models that followed the Silver Ghosts are the Phantom, Wraith, 20/25 HP, Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, Silver Spur and the Silver Seraph. Rolls Royces are named after things that are quiet.

Before 1971, the convertibles were referred to as whatever model they were and then the letters “DHC” (drop head coupe) followed. For example, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud DHC. Starting in 1971, all convertibles assumed the name “Corniche”. This name is derived from an area near Nice, France where the Grand Corniche road winds spectacularly around the Mediterranean.

More than six out of ten of all Rolls-Royce Motor cars built are still roadworthy. The oldest known Rolls-Royce still on the road is the 1904 10hp owned by Mr. Thomas Love Jr. of Scotland. Even today, every Rolls-Royce engine is completely hand built.

The Grille and Mascot
The Rolls-Royce radiator grille is made entirely by hand and eye - no measuring instruments are used. It takes one man, one day to make a Rolls Royce radiator, and then five hours are spent polishing it.

" The Spirit of Ecstasy" is certainly the most attractive and best known motor car mascot in the world. Designed by Charles Robinson Sykes, she has adorned the radiators of Rolls-Royce motorcars since 1911.

This is the story of Eleanor Thornton, who was employed as a secretary to Lord Montagu, editor of the illustrated magazine "The Car" and a pioneer of automobiles in England. Lord Montagu commissioned sculptor and close friend, Charles R. Sykes to create a special mascot for his Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. The small statue illustrated a young woman in fluttering robes having placed one forefinger to her lips and was christen “The Whisper.”

The Rolls-Royce Company was becoming increasingly concerned at the tasteless mascots appearing on all too many British cars, including Rolls-Royces and after seeing Lord Montagu’s mascot, commissioned Charles Sykes to create a mascot. In February 1911 he presented to Rolls-Royce the "Spirit of Ecstasy", which was easily recognizable as being a variation on the theme of "The Whisper". The similarity was hardly coincidental because the model for both had been the lovely Miss Thornton, whose liaison with Lord Montagu remained a secret for a decade or more because both partners acted with the utmost discretion.

The mascot has become as much an instantly recognized feature of the Rolls-Royce motorcar as the famous radiator and the interlocking RR’s. Rarely, however, is the correct term "Spirit of Ecstasy" used - detractors remark this was only done at the factory in Crewe. The name "Eleanor" is widespread and Americans speak of the "Silver Lady" or the "Flying Lady".

The Rolls Royce Owner’s Club (www.rroc.org) is open all who would like to enjoy the experience of owning a Rolls-Royce motorcar or even just to admire the marques.