Fun Facts About Rolls-Royce

If you think you know everything there is to know about the world’s leading automaker, prepare to be entertained, and amazed, at some fun Rolls-Royce facts. 

The Racy Story of the Spirit of Ecstasy 

We have Baron John Edward Scott-Montagu to thank for the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. The wealthy car collector commissioned the figure and based it on his secretary (shh…long-time mistress), a Ms. Eleanor Thornton. In early interactions, she has a finger pressed against her lips. The secret is out. So completely does the Spirit of Ecstasy represent the brand that BMW paid $40 million to purchase the rights from Volkwagen. 

Quality Beyond Compare 

Two facts: Rolls-Royce was founded in 1904, and 65% of all models ever produced are still on the road today. We defy any other automaker to make (and prove!) such a claim. The focus has always been, and will always be, on producing the very finest motorcars in the world.

The Horses

The first Rolls-Royce, introduced in 1904, had a 1.8 liter two cylinder engine that generated a whopping 10 horsepower. Not surprisingly, it was known as the Royce 10. They’ve come a long way in a century: the 2019 Wraith, by contrast, offers a 6.6 L V12 engine with a mind-boggling 624 horses.

Founder of the 300 Club

Last year, the Bugatti Chiron hypercar hit an astonishing 304.77 miles per hour. But Rolls-Royce beat the French automaker… by almost a century. In 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell piloted a vehicle featuring a 2300 horsepower, 36.7 liter V12 Rolls-Royce engine to 301.33 mph. Admittedly, there probably weren’t as many safety features to accommodate the speed back then. Do not try this at home, folks!

Rolls-Royce has a storied history, but they are blazing into the future with their trademark innovation and ingenuity. The most fun of fun Rolls-Royce facts: you can enjoy the power, the performance, and the prestige for yourself, becoming part of automotive history.