While the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” may be its most recognizable title, the awe-inspiring marble sculpture also holds the name Nike of Samothrace. This Hellenistic masterpiece, depicting the Greek goddess of victory, dates back over two millennia. Though the sculptor remains shrouded in mystery, the statue’s influence is undeniable.
It even captured the imagination of Claude Johnson, head of Rolls-Royce in the early 1910s. Inspired by the Nikes he encountered at the Louvre, Johnson commissioned sculptor Charles Sykes to design a brand mascot. The story behind the Rolls-Royce mascot, however, takes an unexpected turn.
While the initial inspiration came from Nike, Sykes is believed to have based the final design on English actress Eleanor Thornton. Despite this, Rolls-Royce paid homage to the source with a limited edition Phantom collection the Scintilla.
Named after the Latin word for “spark,” the Scintilla series likely reflects Johnson’s moment of inspiration at the Louvre. Regardless, these Phantoms represent some of the most exclusive Rolls-Royces in recent history.
Unlike the mechanical aspects that mirror standard Phantoms, the Scintilla’s interior boasts a breathtaking bespoke design, earning the title of “most complex interior door design ever” for a Rolls-Royce. Inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, the ceramic figurine itself takes center stage, mimicking the fine-grained white marble of its namesake statue.
The two-tone exterior paint complements this theme. Andalusian White adorns the upper body, while Thracian Blue, inspired by the Aegean Sea surrounding the statue’s origin island, graces the lower half. This shimmering blue, accented by coachlines and pinstripes, evokes sunlight dancing on water.
But the true marvel lies within. A staggering 869,500 stitches, meticulously layered and interwoven, form the flowing image of the Spirit of Ecstasy across doors and seats. This intricate embroidery, taking a team of craftspeople 40 hours to complete, is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s dedication to detail. However, the most impressive feat resides in the door panels.
Here, over 633,000 stitches in a symphony of colors Blue Grey, Arctic White, Spirit Blue, Powder Blue, and Pastel Yellow intertwine to create a dazzling design that comes alive with an ethereal glow at night. The seats, in contrasting Blue Grey, Arctic White, and Spirit Blue, harmonize with the doors while maintaining a cohesive interior feel.
