Which Rolls-Royce model first featured a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy?

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was the first model to feature a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy.

Introduced in 1980, the Silver Spirit used a spring-loaded version of Rolls-Royce’s famous bonnet mascot. If the ornament was pushed or struck, it could sink into the radiator shell instead of remaining exposed. The feature helped protect the mascot from damage and theft while preserving the traditional visual signature when the car was parked or being driven normally.

The innovation appeared on the Silver Spirit at the start of the SZ generation. The closely related Silver Spur, a longer-wheelbase version launched at the same time, used the same new-era design language and equipment, but the Silver Spirit is identified as the first model in the range to introduce the retractable mascot.

This detail is often confused with later Rolls-Royce flagships, especially the Phantom VII, whose electronically controlled Spirit of Ecstasy became widely recognized. The Silver Spirit’s system was an earlier, largely mechanical safety solution. The model also carried forward Rolls-Royce traditions such as a smooth 6.75-litre V8, self-levelling suspension and exceptionally quiet long-distance comfort.