Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Drive Floods the Streets of London

Marking the centenary of the famous Rolls Royce lady mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Drive reunited no less than one hundred Rolls-Royce motor cars in London on February 6, 2011.The drive started in Belgravia and ended at the Great Conservatory at Syon House in West London, the home of the Duke of Northumberland.

The drive passed through numerous London landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Several locations of significance for the Rolls-Royce brand have also been included in the intinerary, including the birthplace of Charles Rolls in Hill Street, Mayfair, the site of the studio where sculptor Charles Sykes is thought to have created his famous Spirit of Ecstasy design on Brompton Road and Berkeley Square, the 21st century home of Rolls-Royce in London.

“The Spirit of Ecstasy is a genuine icon, a graceful goddess who has adorned the prow of Rolls-Royce cars past and present,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos. “She is recognised the world over as a symbol for the pinnacle of automotive aspiration and is an inspiration to those of us working for the company today. The centenary drive was a fitting tribute to such an important figure for our company.”

Among the vehicles that were included in the drive, there were also some Phantom and Ghost models produced at the company’s 21st Century home in Goodwood, several Goodwood models and a selection of classic and vintage cars, driven by members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, VIPs and media guests, such as various examples of Silver Ghosts, Silver Clouds, Silver Shadows and Silver Spurs.