From American muscle to European exotics, everyone has a favourite car they would like to own one day. But do you also have a favourite car logo?
In automotive branding, a logo does more than identify a brand; it embodies the brand’s heritage and values. These emblems are designed with precision to evoke feelings of elegance, power, and cutting-edge technology, creating a deep connection with buyers.
As we explore the artistic qualities of these famous logos, it’s intriguing to consider how each one reflects not only the vehicles they mark but also narrates the distinct history and development of its brand.
We asked a panel of designers and art directors to rank the best car logos of all time, strictly from a design perspective, not in terms of brand value. Check out the results below and tell us your favourite in the comments.
20. Abarth
Founded in 1949, Abarth & C. S.p.A. emerged onto the automotive scene with a striking emblem bearing the founder Carlo Abarth’s astrological sign: the scorpion. This choice not only symbolizes the founder’s birth sign but also serves as an icon of agility, power, and fierce performance—qualities that define the Abarth brand and its lineage of racing and road cars.
The Abarth logo features a black scorpion, poised and ready, encased in a red and yellow shield, a homage to Italy’s racing colors. The shield signifies durability and strength, while the scorpion exudes an aura of speed and compactness. Over time, the logo has seen minor refinements, but the fundamental design and what it stands for—Abarth’s commitment to dynamic performance and Italian racing tradition—remain as relevant today as they were at the brand’s inception.
19. Tesla
Founded in 2003, Tesla Inc. marked the dawn of a new era in the automotive industry, one centered around sustainable transportation. Named after the physicist Nikola Tesla, known for his contributions to modern alternating current electrical supply systems, the company’s logo fittingly represents this electrical heritage. The emblem, which bears a striking resemblance to a stylized ‘T’, is in fact an interpretation of the cross-section of an electric motor, reflecting the brand’s commitment to electric power.
The Tesla logo is minimalist and sleek, encapsulating the brand’s forward-thinking vision. Rendered typically in red and white, the emblem exudes a sense of elegance, efficiency, and innovation. The boldness and simplicity of the design embody Tesla’s direct approach to environmental challenges. It continues to stand as a symbol of a pioneering spirit in the realm of electric vehicles, representing not just a brand, but the potential future of sustainable transportation.
18. Ford
The Ford logo is one of the most recognizable emblems in the automotive world, tracing its origins back to 1903. Conceived by the company’s founder, Henry Ford, the emblem was initially just simple black text spelling out “Ford” in the founder’s own handwriting. This signature has become a symbol of American innovation and industrialism, embodying a brand that was instrumental in shaping the automotive industry with the mass production of affordable cars.
Design-wise, the Ford logo is distinctive with its iconic blue oval backdrop, introduced in the 1920s, which frames the scripted white lettering. The simplicity and boldness of the design resonate with the brand’s commitment to reliability, quality, and trustworthiness. While the logo has undergone minor tweaks over the years, it has remained remarkably consistent, reflecting Ford’s enduring legacy in the car manufacturing industry.
17. Volkswagen
Founded in 1937, Volkswagen carries a legacy as iconic as its logo. The brand’s name, which translates from German as “people’s car,” aimed to make car ownership accessible for all. The logo, created by Franz Xavier Reimspiess, a talented engineer in the company, embodies this philosophy. The VW monogram — “V” for ‘Volks’ (people) and “W” for ‘Wagen’ (car) — stands as a symbol of affordable mobility for the masses.
Design-wise, the Volkswagen logo is a masterstroke of simplicity and recognizability. The stylized letters VW, enclosed within a circle, are typically rendered in blue and white, symbolizing class, excellence, and reliability. Despite undergoing subtle redesigns over the years, the logo remains an emblem of the brand’s commitment to quality, durability, and the democratic spirit of motoring.
16. BMW
BMW, an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a brand steeped in history dating back to 1916, and its logo is an unmistakable symbol of this heritage. The emblem, a black ring encasing a quadrant divided into alternating blue and white sections, is inspired by the colors of the Bavarian Free State flag, the region of the company’s origin.
As for design, the BMW logo presents a simple yet powerful aesthetic. While an enduring myth suggests the blue and white represent a propeller in motion – a nod to BMW’s early aviation history – the company has clarified that its emblem is primarily a tribute to Bavaria. Yet, regardless of interpretations, the BMW logo is synonymous with luxury, performance, and German engineering excellence, embodying a brand that consistently pushes boundaries in the automotive industry.
15. Saab
Founded in 1945, Saab, an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Corporation), started as an aerospace company before venturing into automotive manufacturing. The original Saab logo, introduced in the 1940s, featured a heraldic-inspired emblem of a mythological beast — a griffin head — symbolizing vigilance and alertness, coupled with the name ‘Saab’.
From a design perspective, the emblem underwent significant changes over time. Post-2000, the logo transitioned to a simple, stylized ‘Saab’ wordmark, typically in silver or blue. This minimalist design was emblematic of Saab’s commitment to innovation, simplicity, and function over form. Despite the brand’s cessation, the Saab logo continues to represent a legacy of Swedish engineering, creativity, and distinctive design.
14. Dodge Viper
Since the birth of the Dodge Viper in 1992, its logo has been a symbol of power, speed, and a certain reptilian cunning. The original logo, famously known as “Sneaky Pete,” depicts a sly, covert viper ready to strike, reflecting the car’s formidable power and astonishing performance. The logo was later reimagined into “Fang,” a more aggressive and intimidating snake for the 2003 model, aligning with the car’s enhanced performance.
The Dodge Viper logo, whether it’s “Sneaky Pete” or “Fang,” has always been more than a mere representation. It’s an embodiment of the vehicle’s character — bold, intimidating, and filled with an unyielding spirit. The badge’s color palette, usually a combination of red, white, and blue, nods to the brand’s American roots, while the intricate details of the viper demonstrate Dodge’s dedication to design and quality. This logo will forever symbolize a groundbreaking era of American performance vehicles.
13. Rover
The Rover brand, established in 1885, has a storied history interwoven with Britain’s industrial past. Its emblem, a Viking longship sailing over a roundel bearing the company’s name, was first introduced in 1929. This symbol was a nod to the company’s location in the Midlands, an area with a rich Viking history, reflecting the brand’s bold, adventurous spirit and British roots.
In terms of design, the Rover logo exudes a sense of durability, resilience, and elegance. The Viking ship symbolizes exploration and courage. While the brand underwent several transformations, the logo remained remarkably consistent, embodying Rover’s commitment to British craftsmanship and automotive innovation.
12. Maserati
Founded in 1914, Maserati carries a rich Italian legacy encapsulated within its logo, the Trident. The emblem was inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, the brand’s birthplace, and was designed by one of the Maserati brothers, Mario, an artist. The Trident symbolizes strength and vigor, resonating with the brand’s promise of unmatched power and performance.
The Maserati logo is characterized by simplicity and elegance. The trident embodies the essence of Italian luxury and design, and remains a constant throughout Maserati’s history. The logo continues to symbolize the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, excellence, and its prestigious Italian heritage.
11. Bentley
Since its inception in 1919, Bentley has been a symbol of British automotive excellence, a heritage reflected in its logo. The emblem, a pair of wings with a ‘B’ at the center, has been part of the brand’s identity from the early days. The ‘B’ stands for Bentley, while the wings represent speed and freedom, aligning with the brand’s reputation for high-performance luxury vehicles.
In terms of design, the Bentley logo embodies elegance and sophistication. The silver ‘B’ and wings communicate the brand’s commitment to luxury and unparalleled craftsmanship. Despite subtle refinements over the years, the Bentley logo has remained true to its roots, upholding the brand’s legacy in the high-end automotive industry.
10. Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a name synonymous with speed and performance, left an indelible mark on the American automotive industry. The Shelby Cobra logo, introduced in the 1960s alongside the legendary Shelby Cobra sports car, became an iconic symbol of this legacy. Featuring a coiled snake ready to strike, the emblem encapsulates the aggressive power and relentless performance of Shelby’s creations.
From a design perspective, the Shelby Cobra logo is bold and impactful. Rendered usually in black and silver, the coiled snake represents the lethal speed and power that Shelby cars are renowned for. Despite Carroll Shelby’s passing in 2012, the logo remains an enduring symbol of his innovative spirit and the brand’s ongoing commitment to pushing the limits of automotive performance.
9. Vauxhall
Vauxhall, a stalwart of British motoring since 1857, carries a logo steeped in history. The emblem, known as the “Griffin”, originates from the coat of arms of Fulk le Breant, a mercenary soldier who was granted the Manor of Luton by King John. The Manor’s house was named “Fulks Hall”, later evolving into “Vauxhall”. The griffin emblem was adopted in 1857 and has been the company’s logo ever since.
In terms of design, the Vauxhall logo is a symbol of durability and British craftsmanship. The griffin, holding a flag bearing the letter ‘V’ for Vauxhall, stands bold against a roundel. Although the logo has been modernized over the years, shifting towards a more streamlined, abstract griffin representation, it continues to embody the brand’s longstanding commitment to producing reliable, accessible vehicles, whilst carrying the weight of a deep-rooted British heritage.
8. Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 1958, is a classic American automobile that’s become an icon of the road. Its logo, featuring a graceful leaping impala — an African antelope known for its speed and agility — was designed to symbolize the car’s smooth ride, swift performance, and sleek design.
The Impala logo is a fitting tribute to the car’s attributes. Rendered usually in silver, the leaping impala emblem reflects a sense of fluid motion, grace, and elegance. Although the Chevrolet Impala model was discontinued in 2020, its logo remains a beloved symbol of a car that left a significant imprint on the American automotive landscape.
7. Ferrari
Ferrari, an iconic name in the automotive world, is synonymous with speed, luxury, and Italian heritage. Its emblem, the “Prancing Horse,” carries an intriguing history. The logo was first adopted by the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, in honor of Francesco Baracca, a decorated World War I fighter ace who adorned his plane with a similar emblem. The horse was given to Enzo by Baracca’s mother as a token of good luck.
Design-wise, the Ferrari logo is a symbol of power and grace. The black prancing horse against the yellow backdrop, often accompanied by the Italian colors, is instantly recognizable, representing speed, performance, and Italian excellence. Whether on the roads or Formula 1 tracks, the Ferrari logo is an emblem of a brand that has continuously pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and design.
6. Porsche
Since its establishment in 1931, Porsche has been a synonym for German engineering prowess and luxury. The brand’s emblem, bearing a leaping horse in the center of a shield, was introduced in 1952 and carries significant symbolism. The crest includes the colors of the German flag, the antlers and red and black stripes from the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Württemberg, and the horse and name of Stuttgart, a city famously known as ‘the cradle of the automobile’ and Porsche’s headquarters.
From a design standpoint, the Porsche logo is an emblem of tradition, luxury, and high-quality craftsmanship. The intricate crest, often embossed in gold, black, and red, embodies the brand’s commitment to performance and sophisticated design. Despite the evolution of the brand over the decades, the Porsche logo has remained relatively unchanged, standing as a testament to the brand’s unwavering principles and its prestigious legacy in the automotive world.
5. Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo, an iconic Italian car manufacturer established in 1910, has a logo that is as rich in history as the brand itself. The emblem is a fusion of the Red Cross from the Milanese flag and the Visconti serpent — a nod to one of Milan’s most influential families during the middle ages. These symbols link the company to its roots in Milan, embodying the brand’s commitment to its heritage and Italian craftsmanship.
In terms of design, the Alfa Romeo logo represents an intriguing mix of history and myth. The left half features a red cross on a white field, the emblem of Milan, while the right half showcases a man being devoured by a gigantic serpent, a heraldic symbol known as the “Biscione”. This emblem, often surrounded by a blue border containing the brand’s name, has undergone minor modifications over the years but remains one of the most distinctive logos in the automotive industry. The Alfa Romeo logo is a testament to the brand’s longevity, rich heritage, and commitment to luxury.
4. Mustang
Since its introduction in 1964, the Ford Mustang has become a symbol of American power and performance. Its emblem, featuring a galloping horse, was designed by Phil Clark, and perfectly encapsulates the vehicle’s spirit — wild, untamed, and fast. The Mustang logo is a tribute to the car’s name, derived from the P-51 Mustang, a long-range, single-seat fighter aircraft used in World War II.
In terms of design, the Mustang logo is an emblem of power and freedom. The muscular horse, usually portrayed in chrome or black, is shown galloping from right to left, an unusual direction in heraldic terms that signifies a ‘mustang running wild’. Over the years, the logo has evolved, gaining more aggressive lines and sharper angles, much like the car it represents. However, it has always remained true to its original spirit, symbolizing a brand that continually pushes the boundaries of speed and performance.
3. Lamborghini
Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of Automobili Lamborghini, was a Taurus by star sign and had a fascination with Spanish fighting bulls. This led to the birth of the Lamborghini logo in 1963 — a raging bull. Not just a reflection of Ferruccio’s passion, the emblem was also designed to rival Ferrari’s prancing horse, setting the stage for a legendary automotive rivalry.
The design of the Lamborghini logo is assertive and powerful. The black charging bull against a golden shield represents strength, resilience, and luxury. The use of the gold and black color palette reinforces the brand’s commitment to opulence and high performance. Over the years, the Lamborghini emblem has come to symbolize not just a car brand but an enduring symbol of Italian luxury and top-tier engineering.
2. Jaguar
Jaguar, a British luxury car manufacturer, established in 1922, has a logo that embodies power, elegance, and exoticism. The brand’s emblem, a leaping jaguar, was first introduced in 1935 and encapsulates the speed, power, and sleekness associated with their vehicles. The jaguar, a large cat known for its strength and grace, was the perfect symbol for the dynamism and sophistication of the brand’s cars.
The design of the Jaguar logo is a blend of agility and elegance. The leaping jaguar, usually crafted in metallic silver or gold, is a symbol of fluidity, power, and forward momentum. Over the years, the logo has undergone subtle refinements, but it has remained true to its original concept, serving as an enduring symbol of Jaguar’s commitment to creating luxurious, high-performance vehicles. The emblem is instantly recognizable and stands as a proud statement of the brand’s British heritage and commitment to excellence.
1. Mercedes-Benz
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has stood as a hallmark of automotive excellence for nearly a century. The brand’s emblem, a three-pointed star enclosed in a circle, was designed by Gottlieb Daimler, one of the company’s founders. This star symbolizes Daimler’s ambition of universal motorization with his engines dominating the land, sea, and air.
Design-wise, the Mercedes-Benz logo is a model of elegant simplicity. The star and its encasing circle, often rendered in silver, serve as a symbol of the brand’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and top-tier engineering. The logo has remained largely unchanged over the brand’s history, standing as a testament to the company’s enduring principles of quality, sophistication, and technological advancement. The Mercedes-Benz star is more than just a logo—it’s a beacon of excellence in the automotive world.
Which car logo is your favourite? Share this post with a designer or a car lover and voice your views in the comments below.
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