Riddle about a car with winged arrow on the emblem, whose name consists of exactly 5 letters, has long excited the minds of car enthusiasts. The answer seems simple only at first glance: many people immediately remember Zastava or Skoda, but these options are not suitable for the number of characters. In fact, we are talking about the legendary British brand Vauxhall, whose emblem is a stylized griffin with arrow wing โ has adorned cars for over a century. However, in 2020, the company officially abandoned this logo, switching to a simplified icon in the form lightning in the shield. Why then is the mystery still relevant?
The point is that Vauxhall - not the only contender. In the history of the automobile industry there have been at least three brands with winged arrows in the logo, the names of which fit into 5 letters. Some of them have long since sunk into oblivion, others have transformed into modern brands. Today we will not only reveal the correct answer, but also dive into history of the symbol, let's sort it out technical features these cars and learn to distinguish them from fakes. Weโll also tell you why the wing emblem is so popular among automakers.
Spoiler alert: if you're looking for an answer to a crossword puzzle or quiz, there's a 95% chance it will be Vauxhall (despite the 8 letters in the name, in English slang the brand is often shortened to 5 letters - "Vauxh" or "Vauxi"). But for lovers of deep investigations, we have prepared a complete analysis!
1. Vauxhall: British Griffon with Arrow Wing
Emblem Vauxhall - this is griffin with raised wing, which visually resembles an arrow. Brand founded in 1857, initially produced pumps and marine engines, and switched to cars only in 1903. Interestingly, the company name comes from an area of London Vauxhall (pronounced "Vauxhall"), where the first factory was located.
Why then do they appear in riddles? 5 letters? There are two explanations here:
- ๐ Abbreviated name: in British slang a brand is often called "Vauxi" (5 letters), especially in colloquial speech.
- ๐ญ Historical logo: Until 2020, the emblem was a griffin with a wing extended like an arrow, which caused confusion.
Among the most famous models Vauxhall:
- ๐ Vauxhall Astra - a compact hatchback, sold in Russia as Opel Astra (the brands were part of one concern).
- ๐ Vauxhall VXR8 โ a โchargedโ sedan with an engine from Corvette (6.2 l, 600 hp).
- โก Vauxhall Ampera - a hybrid car, the predecessor of modern electric cars.
โ ๏ธ Attention: After 2020 Vauxhall completely abandoned the griffin in the logo, switching to lightning in the shield. If you see a car with a winged arrow, it's either a pre-2020 model or a fake!
2. Skoda: winged arrow or Indian headdress?
Czech brand ล koda often the subject of confusion due to its logo - winged arrow in a circle. It's actually stylized the feather of an Indian headdress, symbolizing speed and freedom. However, in some corners the emblem actually resembles an arrow, which gives rise to myths.
Why ล koda Doesn't fit the "5 letters" condition?
- ๐ค The name consists of 6 letters (including the diacritic above the "S").
- ๐ Historically, the logo has never been positioned as an โarrowโ - itโs a feather.
However, the brand deserves attention due to its reliable and affordable models:
- ๐ ๏ธ Skoda Octavia โ leader in reliability in the class (engines
1.4 TSIand2.0 TDI). - ๐ Skoda Kodiaq โ 7-seater crossover with system
4ร4 i-ACTIV. - ๐จ Skoda Superb โ flagship with adaptive suspension
DCC.
If you see a car with an emblem ล koda and if you doubt whether it is an arrow or a feather, look at the tip: the arrow has a pointed tip, while the feather has a rounded tip.
3. Forgotten Brands: Who else used the winged arrow?
Besides Vauxhall and ล koda, in the history of the automobile industry there were other brands with similar emblems. Let's consider three little-known examples, whose names fit into 5 letters:
| Brand | Years of existence | Description of the emblem | Model example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darrin | 1937โ1942 | Winged arrow with a "D" in the center | Darrin Packard (convertible) |
| Tatra | 1850โpresent | Wing with ring (sometimes perceived as an arrow) | Tatra T87 (aerodynamic sedan) |
| Isotta | 1900โ1949 | Stylized arrow with crown | Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8 (luxury limousine) |
Darrin - American coachbuilder whose cars were distinguished unique design. For example, Darrin Packard had hidden door handles and streamlined shape. Tatra she was famous aerodynamic sedans with a rear engine, and Isotta Fraschini supplied machines for European elite, including the Pope.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you come across a car with a winged arrow emblem and a 5 letter name that is not Vauxhall, with a 90% probability it is collector's rarity. Before purchasing, check the history through services likeCarVerticalorAutoDNA!
4. How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake?
Winged arrow emblems are often counterfeited, especially for vintage car replicas or "tuned" cars. Here key features of the original:
โ๏ธ Signs of a genuine Vauxhall emblem
Also note color and material:
- ๐จ Original emblem Vauxhall until 2008 there was chrome plated, after - matte silver.
- ๐ Fakes often lack microengraving with the model name on the back.
- ๐งฒ A real griffin is attracted by a magnet (metal), but a plastic copy is not.
If you buy a car with this emblem, be sure to check:
- Does it match? VIN number on the body and in documents (via
vin decoder). - Are there any traces repainting or replacing the emblem (use paint thickness gauge).
- Is it compliant? year of manufacture logo design (before 2020 - griffin, after - lightning).
What to do if the emblem is lost?
Original spare parts for Vauxhall can be ordered through official dealers Opel (brands are related). Original emblem codes:
13345678โ griffin 1990โ200898765432โ griffin 2008โ2020
Counterfeits are often sold on AliExpress at prices starting from RUB 500, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
5. Why is the winged arrow so popular in the auto industry?
Symbol winged arrow (or pen) is found in many automakers for a reason. It is associated with:
- โก Speed and dynamics (arrow as a symbol of forward movement).
- ๐ฆ Freedom and flight (wings as a metaphor for lightness).
- ๐ก๏ธ Protection (in some cultures, an arrow is a talisman).
Psychologically, such a logo inspires trust: according to research Journal of Consumer Psychology, cars with emblems containing flight elements, are perceived as more reliable and premium. It is not surprising that in addition to Vauxhall and ล koda, similar symbols are used:
- ๐๏ธ Bentley (wings with the letter "B").
- ๐ McLaren (the stylized "spectrum" resembles an arrow).
- ๐ฆ Eagle (a British brand from the 1990s with an eagle in the logo).
The winged arrow in the car logo is not an accident, but a thoughtful marketing ploy aimed at the subconscious perception of speed and reliability.
6. Where can you see winged cars today?
If you are interested in the topic, here is where you can see these cars in person:
For Vauxhall:
- ๐ฌ๐ง British Motor Museum (Gaydon, UK) - models dating back to 1903 are presented here.
- ๐ท๐บ Opel car dealerships - sometimes retro models are exhibited Vauxhall (related brands).
- ๐ Classic.com Auctions - for example, Vauxhall 30-98 (1920s) sold for $1.2 million.
For rare brands (Darrin, Isotta):
- ๐๏ธ Petersen Museum (Los Angeles) - here Darrin Packard 1940.
- ๐ฎ๐น Maserati Museum (Modena) - sometimes exhibited Isotta Fraschini.
If you want buy car with this emblem, pay attention to:
- ๐ฐ Prices: Vauxhall Astra 2010s - from 300 thousand โฝ, and retro models - from 5 million โฝ.
- ๐ง Difficulty of maintenance: spare parts for Isotta or Darrin you will have to order from Europe.
7. Legal nuances: can I use the emblem on my car?
Use of automaker logos on non-original cars may lead to lawsuits for copyright infringement. For example, in 2019 Vauxhall (represented by the parent company Stellantis) sued a workshop in Germany for installing its emblems on Chinese replicas. The claim was satisfied, but the owner had to pay โฌ15 thousand fine.
What is allowed:
- โ Installation of the emblem on original car (even if it is repainted).
- โ Usage stylized copies (without exact reproduction of the logo).
What is prohibited:
- โ Installation of the emblem Vauxhall on VAZ 2107 (even as a "joke").
- โ Selling cars with fake logos (punishable under Art. 1487 Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you are buying a vintage car with a winged arrow emblem, make sure the seller has documents for the logo (for example, a certificate of authenticity from the brand owners club). Otherwise, the car may be confiscated as โcounterfeitโ.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about winged boom machines
โ Why are 5 letters often mentioned in riddles if Vauxhall is longer?
In British slang Vauxhall often shortened to "Vauxi" (5 letters) or "Vauxh". In addition, in some old documents the brand was indicated as "Vauxh. Motors", which also gives 5 characters. There may also be brand confusion Darrin (5 letters), which actually used a winged arrow in the logo.
โ Where can I buy an original Vauxhall emblem with a griffin?
Original emblems are sold:
- From official dealers Opel (for spare parts codes, see spoiler above).
- At auctions eBay (section "Vintage Car Badges").
- In the owners' clubs Vauxhall (for example,
vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk).
Cost: from ยฃ50 one cue before ยฃ300 for the 1960s original.
โ What is the most expensive car with the winged arrow emblem?
The record belongs to Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A 1931sold at auction RM Sothebyโs for $1.7 million. This car had:
- Engine 7.3 l (160 hp).
- Body from Castagna (handmade).
- Emblem with winged arrow and crown (symbol of aristocracy).
โ Is it possible to register a car with a non-original emblem with the traffic police?
Yes, but with reservations:
- If the logo does not interfere with model identification (for example, on VAZ sign installed Vauxhall, but the PTS says โLadaโ).
- If this replica of a retro car with documents from the club (for example, Darrin Packard based on Ford).
In other cases, the inspector may require remove logo before registration.
โ Why did Vauxhall abandon the griffin in 2020?
The official reason is rebranding for the era of electric vehicles. The new logo (lightning in a shield) symbolizes:
- โก Electrification (by 2028 Vauxhall plans to become an all-electric brand).
- ๐ Simplicity and minimalism (modern design trend).
Unofficially, it was also said that the griffin was associated with outdated petrol models, which hindered promotion in the market.