What happens when you try to steal a Rolls-Royce ornament

If you know about Rolls-Royces, you already know that the distinctive hood ornament is a hot target for thieves. And you probably already know that the luxury car-maker has devised a clever trick to prevent them being stolen.

In this viral video, which has racked up more than half a million YouTube views, Florida Rolls-Royce salesman Mark Powell demonstrates that it's almost impossible to pinch the ornament... unless you're really, really quick.

Depicting a woman whose clothing is billowing out behind her, the statuette is actually named the Spirit of Ecstasy. She's said to be modelled on Eleanor Velasco Thornton, secretary to and secret lover of motoring pioneer Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.

Sadly, the affair ended in tragedy: while sailing on the Mediterranean in 1915, their ship was torpedoed and sank. Lord Montagu was rescued but Eleanor died, and her body was never recovered.