How to Identify Old Car Logos

Each automobile manufacturer has a specific logo for its products. For instance, Chevrolet uses a bow tie, and Jeep uses its own grill. Most logos would be recognizable even without the name of the manufacturer, and many have interesting histories.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Notice the circle around the tri-star logo of Mercedes. This logo has been around since the 1920s.

2. See the spinning propeller on BMW. This represents the company's beginning as an aircraft engine manufacturer.

3. Observe the four linked rings that represent Audi's formation following the merger of four German companies in the 1930s.

4. Look at a Ferrari and you'll see Francesco Baracca's prancing horse, which is the emblem of the WWI flying ace adopted for Baracca's racing Alfas.

5. Find a Mitsubishi to view the three diamonds in its logo, which represent a ship's propellers referencing the company's ship-building days in the 1800s.

Tips & Warnings

• Changing logos isn't uncommon for many cars. The Corvette logo was originally designed with a racing flag and the American flag, but for a short period, the fleur-de-lis and Chevrolet logo replaced the American flag. There have been several logos for Aston Martin since 1916, from amalgamation of A and M to an evolution of two wings borrowed from Bentley.
• Logos often utilize the coat of arms or symbols from the city of origin. Manufacturers, such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Peugeot and Porsche use the symbols of specific cities.

Resources

• The Road Catalogs website offers catalogs for parts and accessories for vintage cars.
• Learn more logo histories at the Car Type website.