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Everyone has their favorite car, but what about their favorite car logo? We asked a panel of designers and art directors to rank the top car logos of all time, based purely on design. Check out their results below and let us know your favorite!
20. Abarth
Founded in 1949, Abarth & C. S.p.A. burst onto the scene with a logo featuring the founder Carlo Abarth’s astrological sign: the scorpion. This emblem not only represents Abarth’s birth sign but also symbolizes agility, power, and fierce performance—qualities that define the brand and its line of racing and road cars.
19. Tesla
Founded in 2003, Tesla Inc. marked a new era in the automotive industry centered around sustainable transportation. Its logo, a stylized ‘T,’ is an interpretation of the cross-section of an electric motor, reflecting the brand’s commitment to electric power.
18. Ford
One of the most recognizable emblems in the automotive world, the Ford logo dates back to 1903. Initially, it was just simple black text spelling out “Ford” in the founder’s own handwriting. The blue oval backdrop, introduced in the 1920s, frames the white lettering, symbolizing reliability, quality, and trustworthiness.
17. Volkswagen
Founded in 1937, Volkswagen carries a legacy as iconic as its logo. The VW monogram—’V’ for ‘Volks’ (people) and ‘W’ for ‘Wagen’ (car)—stands for affordable mobility for the masses. It is enclosed within a circle, typically rendered in blue and white, symbolizing class, excellence, and reliability.
16. BMW
With a history dating back to 1916, BMW’s logo is an unmistakable symbol of luxury and German engineering. The black ring encases a quadrant divided into alternating blue and white sections, inspired by the Bavarian Free State flag, representing the brand’s roots.
15. Saab
Saab, founded in 1945, first started as an aerospace company before venturing into automotive manufacturing. Its logo underwent significant changes, transitioning to a simple, stylized ‘Saab’ wordmark, symbolizing innovation, simplicity, and function over form.
14. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper logo is a symbol of power and performance. Its original logo, known as “Sneaky Pete,” depicted a sly viper ready to strike, reflecting the car’s formidable power. It was later reimagined as “Fang,” a more aggressive snake, in line with the car’s enhanced performance.
13. Rover
The Rover logo features a Viking longship sailing over a roundel bearing the company’s name, symbolizing boldness, adventure, and British roots. It exudes durability, resilience, and elegance, embodying Rover’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
12. Maserati
Maserati, founded in 1914, carries a rich Italian legacy encapsulated within its Trident logo. The emblem symbolizes strength and vigor, reflecting the brand’s promise of unmatched power and performance.
11. Bentley
Bentley, a symbol of British automotive excellence, has a logo featuring a pair of wings with a ‘B’ at the center. The wings represent speed and freedom, aligning with the brand’s reputation for high-performance luxury vehicles.
10. Shelby
The Shelby Cobra logo, introduced in the 1960s, became an iconic symbol of speed and performance. The coiled snake represents the lethal speed and power that Shelby cars are renowned for, while the red, white, and blue color palette nods to the brand’s American roots.
9. Vauxhall
Vauxhall, a stalwart of British motoring since 1857, carries a logo steeped in history. The Griffin emblem, originating from the coat of arms of Fulk le Breant, offers a symbol of durability, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted British heritage.
8. Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala logo features a graceful leaping impala, symbolizing the car’s smooth ride, swift performance, and sleek design. It is a tribute to the car’s iconic name derived from the P-51 Mustang, a renowned World War II fighter aircraft.
7. Ferrari
Ferrari, synonymous with speed, luxury, and Italian heritage, features the iconic “Prancing Horse” emblem. It pays homage to World War I fighter ace Francesco Baracca, who adorned his plane with a similar emblem. The horse represents power, performance, and Italian excellence.
6. Porsche
Porsche, a symbol of German engineering and luxury, sports a logo with a leaping horse at its center. The crest includes elements from the German flag, the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Württemberg, and Stuttgart’s name, known as ‘the cradle of the automobile.’
5. Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo, an iconic Italian car manufacturer, boasts a logo that links the brand to its Milanese roots. It combines the Red Cross from the Milanese flag with the Visconti serpent, symbolizing the brand’s heritage and commitment to Italian craftsmanship.
4. Mustang
The Ford Mustang logo features a galloping horse, paying tribute to the car’s name and its association with speed and power. The emblem represents a brand that continually pushes the boundaries of performance.
3. Lamborghini
Lamborghini’s logo, a raging bull, represents strength, resilience, and luxury. It was designed to rival Ferrari’s prancing horse, setting the stage for a legendary automotive rivalry.
2. Jaguar
Jaguar’s logo features a leaping jaguar, embodying power, elegance, and exoticism. It perfectly captures the speed, power, and sleekness associated with their vehicles.
1. Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz logo, a three-pointed star enclosed in a circle, symbolizes universal motorization and the brand’s ambition to dominate land, sea, and air. It is an enduring symbol of luxury, innovation, and engineering excellence.
These car logos are not just emblems—they are symbols of performance, heritage, and craftsmanship. Which one is your favorite? Share this article with a designer or a car lover and let us know your views in the comments below.
Article Source: [Ratingperson](https://ratingperson.com)
