The sculpture known as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or Nike of Samothrace, dates back more than 2,000 years to the Hellenistic era and represents the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. While the author of the white marble masterpiece remains unknown, the statue has inspired countless individuals throughout history, including Claude Johnson, the managing director of Rolls-Royce in the early 1910s.
In 1910, Johnson commissioned sculptor Charles Sykes to design a mascot for Rolls-Royce, drawing inspiration from the Nike statues Johnson had seen during a visit to the Louvre. This commission led to the creation of one of the most iconic symbols in the automotive world—the Spirit of Ecstasy. While it’s widely believed that English actress Eleanor Thornton served as Sykes’ muse, Rolls-Royce has chosen to honor the Spirit of Ecstasy’s original inspiration through a highly exclusive series of the Phantom, aptly named the Scintilla Collection.
The name “Scintilla,” derived from the Latin word for “spark,” pays homage to the moment of inspiration Johnson experienced upon seeing the Nike statue. These Phantoms are among the most exclusive Rolls-Royce vehicles produced in recent years, limited to just ten units.
Mechanically identical to the production model, the Scintilla Collection is based on the Phantom Extended but distinguishes itself through unparalleled craftsmanship and intricate design. The highlight of these models is their unique interior, which Rolls-Royce describes as featuring the “most complex interior door design ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car.”
The Scintilla models feature a ceramic-finished Spirit of Ecstasy, mimicking the fine-grained marble of the original Nike statue. This elegant figure adorns a vehicle finished in a stunning two-tone paint scheme, with Andalusian White on the upper half and Thracian Blue on the lower, the latter inspired by the sea surrounding the island of Samothrace. The exterior is accented by a double coachline and pinstripes in Spirit Blue, adding to the car’s regal appearance.
Inside, the Phantom Scintilla is nothing short of extraordinary. The most striking feature is the embroidery, which required a staggering 869,500 stitches to complete. The design, inspired by the flowing robes of the Spirit of Ecstasy, uses six layers of interlacing stitches to create a visual masterpiece on the doors and seats. The embroidery alone took 40 hours to complete, utilizing 36 individually embroidered panels.
The door panels are a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring 633,000 stitches in shades of Blue Grey, Arctic White, Spirit Blue, Powder Blue, and Pastel Yellow. The intricate design sparkles and glows at night, thanks to luminescent details that enhance the car’s luxurious ambiance.
The seats, upholstered in Blue Grey, Arctic White, and Spirit Blue, complement the door panels while maintaining a cohesive design throughout the cabin. The front fascia of the car features the Celestial Pulse artwork, consisting of seven ribbons milled from solid aluminum, each adorned with the same ceramic finish as the Spirit of Ecstasy.
Above, a star-studded headliner with 1,500 fiber optic lights and 4,450 perforations forms an animated pattern inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s flowing gown. Even the rear picnic tables pay tribute to the iconic symbol, with Arctic White graphics on wood surfaces.
A final touch of exclusivity is found inside the glove compartment, where a plaque quotes Claude Johnson’s 1910 vision for the mascot: “Speed with silence, the absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace.”
With only ten examples of the Phantom Scintilla being produced, each car in this collection bears the Private Collection name engraved on stainless-steel treadplates and comes with a bespoke car cover. As with all things Rolls-Royce, the price remains a closely guarded secret, but it’s safe to assume these vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury and exclusivity.
