A car emblem is an indispensable part of vehicle’s identity. It enhances a car's unique qualities and traits, such as quality, speed, elegance, and/or strength. Here's all you need to know about their history and evolution.
The history of car emblems
The origins of car emblems can be traced back to John Montagu, a British statesman. He put a St. Christopher figurine in his Daimler, and the trend quickly caught on among goldsmiths and automotive enthusiasts. Car manufacturers soon realized the value emblems added to their products and ordered hundreds of them. Naturally, Britain was soon home to several emblem manufacturing factories, closely followed by France and the USA. The trend grew extremely popular in the 1920s and remains to this day.
Famous car hood ornaments
The Spirit of Ecstasy
One of the most famous emblems ever made that's still in use today is Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy, explicitly created for silver Ghost by Charles Robinson. This iconic emblem was inspired by Eleanor Velasco Thornton, a remarkably knowledgeable, humorous, and beautiful woman.
The flying stork
Hispano Suiza's flying stork hood ornament is highly prized among collectors, and there is an intriguing story behind it.
Hispano-Suiza was a prominent Spanish automotive and engineering firm that made airplane engines during WW1. The company's 8A V8 offered superior performance, so it was the go-to engine for most French fighter squadrons, including the Escadrille 3 Less Cignones (the Storks). The storks were renowned for their talent and skill, so after the war, Hispano-Suiza adopted the Stork emblem in their honor.
The dancing elephant
Long before Bugatti adopted the macaron as its hood ornament, the automaker's cars featured a dancing elephant. It was commissioned by the founder's brother (Ettore Bugatti), and it debuted on the type 41 Royale, manufactured from 1926 to 1933. Although this iconic ornament no longer adorns Bugatti cars, the sculptor's other works have been featured in galleries worldwide.
The three-petal star
Mercedes' three-petal-star logo symbolizes the manufacturer's ambition to have their products dominate the world. It represents Mercedes' effort to achieve universal motorization with its engines ruling Sea, land, and air (three points).
The inexhaustible wings
The stylized M portrayed by Mazda's hood ornament is meant to evoke the image of wings in flight. It also symbolizes Mazda's flight to the future. The dynamic circle (added in 1998) indicates the manufacturer's readiness to make the most of the 21st century.
The four colored quadrants
Germans are known for the firmness of their decisions, so it is no surprise that BMW has kept its white and blue fan ornament unchanged throughout its history. The ornament's colors represent the faithfulness, vitality, and immortality of the German culture. The logo also reiterates BMW's commitment to growing with its nation, even during difficult times.
Get a custom car badge
If you're a manufacturer and looking to make your car more noticeable, we'll help you design a custom car badge that adds value to your brand. We use the same materials and production methods as the best auto manufacturers, so you can rest assured you'll have a quality product.
We offer 3 types of illuminated car badges
· Custom chrome emblems
· Custom painted logos
· Custom printed logos
Our car badges are the ideal choice for anyone interested in highly appealing custom vehicle emblems. If you need one, we're only a call away.