Telling the intriguing story behind the mascot’s creation, this exhibition explores the connections between motoring pioneer, John Montagu, his friend, the British artist and sculptor, Charles Sykes, and John’s London-based secretary and mistress, Eleanor Thornton.

The Hon Ralph Montagu said: “I am pleased, in this centenary year, to be able to tell the story behind the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, especially the part that my grandfather John Montagu and his Personal Assistant Eleanor Thornton played in bringing this iconic mascot to life.”

In 1910, Claude Johnson, the Managing Director of Rolls-Royce, commissioned Sykes to design a mascot “that belonged to the (Rolls-Royce) car as much as a carved wooden figurehead belonged to a sailing vessel.” The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot has adorned the radiator of every Rolls-Royce since 1911.

Widely believed to be the inspiration for Sykes’ iconic mascot, Eleanor never lived to witness the global success of the emblem made in her image. Whilst travelling to India on the P&O liner SS Persia with Lord Montagu in 1915, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. Whilst Eleanor lost her life in the attack, Lord Montagu survived and returned to England, distraught with grief, but unable to openly mourn for his secret lover.

Eleanor’s secret love affair with the married Lord Montagu was immortalised in another mascot Sykes designed for Montagu. It was christened The Whisper and depicts a young woman, widely believed to be based on Eleanor, in fluttering robes with a secretive forefinger pressed to her lips.

Performing the unveiling of the exhibition at the opening were Eleanor’s grandsons, John and Richard Moorby. With original artworks and ephemera rarely seen in public, this promises to be an exhibition not to be missed. On display will be some of Charles Sykes’ original artwork, including special edition covers for The Car Illustrated magazine, which was edited by John Montagu, as well as several original bronzes.

The exhibition will be on display in Palace House until October 2011 and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction. More information is available at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum website.  

Each car has to meet exacting criteria set by the car maker. Factory-trained technicians conduct a painstaking inspection procedure, including a full road test, to ensure that every Provenance car reaches the highest standards prior to delivery. Cars must have been maintained in strict adherence to Rolls-Royce servicing requirements to be considered and are only sold through the international network of authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealers.

When buying a Rolls-Royce Provenance motor car, customers are protecting their investment, the car maker asserts. As well as successfully completing a rigorous pre-delivery inspection and preparation, each Provenance Rolls-Royce offers the reassurance of an independently obtained vehicle history and unlimited mileage verification, together with a minimum 24 month warranty, fully inclusive servicing and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Rolls Royce car leasing deals 

Rolls Royce road test reports

Jolyon Nash, Director, Sales & Marketing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said:“We are delighted to announce the latest details for Rolls-Royce Provenance. Our customers expect the very best motor cars in the world and we are pleased to be able to offer the same support and peace of mind for approved pre-owned cars that we offer for new vehicles.”

The Rolls-Royce Phantom App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch allows clients and Rolls-Royce enthusiasts to create highly bespoke virtual models, including the ability to apply unique colour and interior trim combinations. The Rolls-Royce Phantom App also features an image gallery showcasing bespoke features such as seat piping, veneer inserts, humidor and picnic sets.

Rolls-Royce prides itself on a palette of 44,000 colours for Phantom and the app lets users create the most esoteric and individual of exterior finishes. The Bespoke Colour Match feature allows limitless and unique single and two-tone paint designs. Using an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch camera, users could capture – for example – the colour of a favourite lipstick or luggage then apply it directly to the exterior of their virtual Phantom.

Nearly all Phantom buyers demand some bespoke elements for their cars and the Rolls-Royce Phantom App showcases many popular options. One example is starlight headliner, a feature where hundreds of illuminated optical fibres are woven into the roof lining of the chosen Phantom model. Users can experience this interior ambiance interactively, thanks to the app’s ability to turn up or down the degree of illumination.

Rolls Royce Phantom car leasing deals

The Rolls-Royce Phantom App features 360-degree exterior views and three interior angles from the front, side and rear seat. It can be used to configure Phantom, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead Coupé and follows the launch of the Rolls-Royce Ghost App in March last year.

Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce Ghost Apps are available free of charge from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore

Unveiled by the firm’s CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the new 900 square metre showroom provides space for displaying five Rolls-Royce motor cars, a coffee bar and a customer configuration lounge including colour and trim samples. The showroom is also directly linked to a new dedicated Rolls-Royce service facility.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: “The showroom opening in Abu Dhabi represents one of a line of new and expanded Rolls‑Royce showrooms which have been unveiled throughout the Gulf region in the last 18 months. These investments underline the continuing confidence that the company sees in the Rolls-Royce brand across the Middle East.”  He continued, “The Middle East region continues to be an important driver in the global growth of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.  Last year the region contributed over 15 per cent of our global sales.  Abu Dhabi is no exception and continues to demonstrate remarkable year on year growth.”

Rolls Royce car leasing deals 

The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé. One of a collection of 100 highly bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom models, the cars were built to mark the Centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, 100 years since the world’s most instantly recognisable bonnet figurine was first fitted to Rolls-Royce cars. The beautiful Collection cars were designed with a suite of bespoke design details including a special white-on-black double-R badge, Spirit of Ecstasy inspired coachlines and an inscribed figurine bathed in white light emanating from its base. Discerning collectors across the world, especially in the Middle East, have shown great interest in these unique cars.

There are just  82 Rolls-Royce dealerships worldwide, of which 8 are based in the Middle East

The annual event, which specialises in showcasing the finest sport and luxury cars, has already confirmed that Jaguar is to return to the event in style.  Having given the all-new XJ its UK public debut last year, the marque is using the 2010 event to celebrate its 75th anniversary, with its latest product range and a selection of cars from its Heritage Collection – some competing in the Salon Privé Concours d’Elègance, in association with Chubb Insurance.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK, said:  “With a quintessentially British feel, Salon Privé is the ideal place to celebrate 75 years of Jaguar’s heritage and showcase our latest models. With a new line-up of cars including the XK sports car, the award winning XF and all-new XJ luxury saloon, as well as some stunning classic Jaguars, guests can look forward to a great event at the Hurlingham Club this year.”

In a further sign of the event’s growing stature as a premium brand showcase, both Audi and Lexus are attending Salon Privé for the first time, the latter confirming the presence of their spectacular LFA supercar.

Rolls-Royce is returning to Salon Privé with the production version of its new Ghost, after previewing the car at last year’s event, as the 200EX Concept.

Aston Martin will present its new, four-door Rapide and DBS Volante, while Maserati will show its GranSport cabriolet.

Salon Privé co-founder, David Bagley, said:  “It’s immensely gratifying to have so many prestige brands on board, recognising the value of Salon Privé.  We’re determined to keep growing the event, but retain what makes it unique, not least its exclusivity.

"Salon Privé is now a firm fixture in both the automotive and social calendars and it’s good to know we have the right recipe for a great motor event and a fabulous day out.”

In July, Salon Privé will once again transform the famous lawns of London’s Hurlingham Club, with Europe’s largest single display of luxury cars, supercars and some of the finest classic cars, creating a motoring and social occasion unlike any other.

Further exhibitors will be revealed closer to the event date. For more information and to book tickets to this exclusive event, take out a loan as they cost from £150 per person. Visit http://www.salonprivelondon.com/ for more information.

The 200EX is a design study of an all-new four-door saloon and is sure to be very similar to the RR4, a new model from Rolls-Royce due out in 2010.

Unlike some concept vehicles which are little more than a design statement shell, this latest ‘experimental’ model is a fully functioning vehicle, full of the materials that the carmaker would incorporate into a production model.

The 200EX has sharpness to its styling and is noticeably less stuffy than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances.

“200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” says Chief Designer, Ian Cameron. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give 200EX an air of informal presence — powerful but unobtrusive.”

Under the bonnet there is a huge new V12 engine, which will provide all the power to a vehicle almost 5.4 metres in length, and 2 metres wide.

“200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” says Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal, agile design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”