Elaborate Car Logos: Is There Meaning Behind Them?

[franknbeans]

Haven’t you wondered why someauto maker’s logos look the way they do? There are a lot of stories about the origins of Chevrolet’s bow-tie emblem, Ferrari’s prancing horse and Audi’s four rings. Some are more interesting than accurate.

While BMW was famous for making airplane engines, especially during World War II, is it true the company’s circular badge represents a propeller? Did Ferruccio Lamborghini choose a crest adorned with a bull mainly as a dig against his rival Enzo Ferrari? And who thought up the elaborate Cadillac badge, with all those duck decorations?

A recent story by Nick Kurczewski in Road & Track magazine delves into some of the myths and interesting truths about car logos, what they represent and just as often what they don’t. The piece is worth a read

[Yellow2010]

BMW-That's correct.

[franknbeans]

The Chevy Bowtie

Had it not been for a talkative spouse, the Chevy Bowtie emblem could have claimed one the strangest design origins. Louis Chevrolet said the famous emblem was inspired by a wallpaper pattern in his hotel room during a visit to Paris in 1908. The story would have been considered fact, had it not been for Mr. Chevrolet’s wife. She later said her husband had seen an advertisement featuring a similarly shaped logo in a Sunday supplement. Eye-catching design—and careful evolution—is a theme found in many American car company logos.

[The_Blur]

This was a good find.

[franknbeans]

thanks!