Rolls Royce: Logo Meaning, Evolution, SVG, PNG and Company Overview

Rolls-Royce is a British luxury automobile and aero-engine manufacturing company. Charles Rolls and Henry Royce founded Rolls-Royce in 1904 with a vision to create luxury cars in the world. The company name is based on the last letters of its founders.

Logo Details

Logo Designed by: Henry Royce

Meaning:

The Rolls-Royce logo consists of a double “R,” representing Rolls and Royce, the founders of the company. Additionally, the company uses the Spirit of Ecstasy as an emblem, which appears on the bonnet of its cars. The Spirit of Ecstasy depicts a woman leaning forward with her hands extended backward. It resembles the wings of a plane and symbolizes freedom of movement and luxury. There is a theory that back in the 19th century, women didn’t have the freedom to express themselves, and Rolls-Royce adopted the Spirit of Ecstasy as a symbol of the movement for women’s freedom.

Colors:

History: Rolls Royce Logo

Rolls-Royce again partnered with design agency Pentagram in 2020 for a brand refresh to attract its younger customers. Led by Marina Willer, the update maintained the heritage monogram but adopted a more minimalist approach. The R symbol is in black and white color. The square background and text surrounding are no more in the logo. This simplification also elevated the status of the “Spirit of Ecstasy” figurine, which became the primary logo in a more modern, abstract style. The whole effect highlights the brand’s timeless grace and passion for high-end products.

When BMW Group bought Rolls-Royce in 1998, the logo changed in the same year. Instead of just the monogram, the company name also appeared in the rectangle, similar to the early logos. The logo consisted of a vertical rectangle divided into three further rectangles. The upper rectangle had “Rolls,” the middle one had the monogram “RR,” and the bottom rectangle had “Royce” written on it. The silver-colored rectangle gave it a 3D look. The official unveiling of this modernized brand identity occurred at the Farnborough Airshow, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to heritage and innovation.

In 1973, the company switched to a minimal logo with only a lettermark on a dark blue rectangle. The letter “R” had a 3D look, and the rectangle had rounded corners.

You might be surprised, but in 1911, the company also had a third version of the logo. This logo was used from 1911 to 1920. It featured the Spirit of Ecstasy, which we saw in one part of the first logo. It depicted a lady leaning forward with her arms extended behind her. Car mascots weren’t widespread at that time, but Walter, a car enthusiast, desired one for his Rolls-Royce. He collaborated with sculptor Charles Sykes to create a statue named “The Whisper.” However, Rolls-Royce wanted a unified mascot for all their cars. In 1910, they officially adopted a modified version of “The Whisper,” which was rechristened as the Spirit of Ecstasy. Interestingly, the initial concept for the mascot wasn’t based on the Greek goddess Nike, as is sometimes mentioned.

In the same year, the company introduced a simpler version of the logo. This logo consisted of an oval with “RR” inside it. Outside of the emblem, there is a geometric floral pattern. Overall, it is a flatter and simpler version.

The company switched from the Manchester Coat of Arms to a unique emblem. The four parts of the coat of arms were replaced with two royal lions. The rectangle from the previous logo remained the same. The lions now appear to hold the rectangle with the company’s name. Above the emblem, there are stylized wings symbolizing success. Below the rectangle, there is a floral pattern, and underneath, there is a ribbon with the company’s motto, “The best car in the world.”

The first Rolls-Royce logo featured a coat of arms. Above the emblem, there were symbols of Rolls-Royce and a lioness, representing bravery and strength. In the top-right section, there was an image of ecstasy, and below it, a seahorse symbolizing power. The bottom-right part featured Nike, the goddess of victory. In the middle of the coat of arms, there was a vertical rectangle with the monogram “RR” and the words “Rolls-Royce” inscribed on it. The coat of arms was covered with a floral pattern.

Year Founded

1906

Founder

Henry Royce

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Parent

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

Official Site

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Company Overview

It stands out from other brands due to its luxury. Each Rolls-Royce car is manufactured to meet high-quality standards. The company provides customization options that allow customers to create truly unique vehicles.

It manufactured its first vehicle, the Rolls-Royce 10 HP, in 1904. Rolls-Royce’s current lineup includes models such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The company introduced its first electric car Rolls-Royce Spectre in 2023. It is just the start of the company’s mission to zero-emission.

Rolls-Royce manufactures ultra-luxury cars to target high-net-worth individuals. Its vehicles include sedans, coupes, and SUVs.

Rolls-Royce car division separated from the aerospace and defence company (Rolls-Royce plc) in 1971. Rolls-Royce sold some rights to Volkswagen and BMW in 1998. However, in 2003, Volkswagen sold all the rights to BMW according to a contract between them. So, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited became a subsidiary of BMW.

Major competitors of Rolls-Royce are Bentley, Mercedes-Maybach, and Aston Martin.

According to research, 65% of Rolls-Royce cars produced till now are still on the road. This represents the quality of the cars.

FAQs

Who sold Rolls Royce to BMW?

Vickers plc sold the Rolls-Royce Motors division to Volkswagen in 1998. However, Rolls-Royce plc owned the name and logo of Rolls Royce. They licensed the name to BMW for an additional fee.
Why are Rolls-Royce cars so famous?

Rolls-Royce cars are famous for their luxury, comfort, and royal look. You can customize them according to your passion as well.

Kumail Mehdi

Chief Executive Officer at techNgraphic Pvt. Ltd.

I accept direct messages and business inquiries by anyone on LinkedIn for free, even if we’re not connected.

Rolls Royce: Logo Meaning, Evolution, SVG, PNG and Company Overview

Logo Details

Meaning:

Colors:

History: Rolls Royce Logo

Company Overview

FAQs

Who sold Rolls Royce to BMW?

Why are Rolls-Royce cars so famous?

Kumail Mehdi

Chief Executive Officer at techNgraphic Pvt. Ltd.

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