Through their logos, many automakers have created a dazzling world of wonder. In logo land, you’ll discover roman gods, prancing horses, and mystical beasts—as well as religious themes such as the Holy Trinity and the Christian Crusades. It’s a universe of stars and planets, ships and rockets, diamonds and domination. One emblem, which is simply a crooked letter, symbolizes a trustworthy handshake. Car Company Logos.
Disappointingly, such companies as Volkswagen (whose symbol is VW) and Ford (Ford) have refused to join in the fun. But many of the other logos have fascinating meanings. Let’s explore:...
The Alfa Romeo badge pays tribute to its home city, Milan, Italy. It features the city’s coat of arms, which symbolizes Milan’s two ruling families during medieval times. On the left is a red cross, a Christian symbol of heraldry that represents the right of a person to bear arms. On the right, a serpent devours a human being, interpreted by some as a Muslim—that is, the enemy of the Christians during the Crusades.
Ferrari automobiles have plenty of horsepower, making the “Prancing Horse” emblem appropriate. The logo also has a cool story behind it. On June 17, 1923, company founder Enzo Ferrari met Italian Countess Paolina Baracca. Her son, ace fighter pilot Francesco Baracca, had won 34 duels for Italy during World War I before being shot down. Barraca’s plane had featured the Prancing Horse, and his mother suggested to Ferrari that he adopt the symbol, for it would bring good luck.
In 1989, the firm Lippincott & Margulies created both the name and logo for Nissan’s upcoming luxury line. The company explains: “The name ‘Infiniti’ was chosen to communicate the endless potential for satisfaction among owners of a car with superb comfort, reliability, and luxury.” The logo is a stylized version of the symbol for infinity, which looks like a sideways 8.
Though it’s visually striking, the content of the Lamborghini emblem doesn’t seem right. Why did they choose a bull, which would seem more appropriate for trucks than high-performance sports cars? The answer is that company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on April 28. The bull was chosen to represent his Zodiac sign, Taurus.
Maserati
If you’re ever in Bologna, Italy, check out the Fountain of Neptune.
The
Pontiac name and emblem both have Native American roots.
Since 1984, the creature on the Saab logo has left observers scratching their heads. Is it a deranged rooster who had too much to drink at a costume party? Not quite, but it’s just as weird. It is actually the crowned head of a mythical beast called a Gripen (aka Griffin and Gryphon), which has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Text by Dave Aretha Through their logos, many automakers have created a dazzling world of wonder. In logo land, you’ll discover roman gods, prancing horses, and mystical beasts—as well as religious themes such as the Holy Trinity and the Christian Crusades. It’s a universe of stars and planets...
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See cars have pagan roots