No hood ornament in the industry is as prized, sought-after, exclusive or as expensive as the Spirit of Ecstasy adorning all Rolls-Royce models.
Fitted as standard on every Rolls-Royce since 1920, the emblem, also known as the Flying Lady, is generally made from polished stainless steel, but can be ordered in 24-carat gold plating or in frosted crystal. Some examples are said to be worth over $10,000 so understandably, are a desirable item to would-be thieves.
So how does the British marque ensure that none of its owners will have to face the threat of driving sans Spirit of Ecstasy?
Well since the 2003 Phantom, Rolls-Royce has mounted the iconic hood ornament on a spring-loaded mechanism which will automatically detract the 3-inch tall icon into the radiator shell if it is struck from any direction, making it virtually impossible to steal.
Additionally, Rolls-Royce drivers can also raise and lower it with the touch of a button in the cabin, ensuring that no Flying Lady ends up in the wrong hands.