To meet on the road a car, on the hood or steering wheel of which the image of the crown adorns, it is quite common, but not all drivers immediately understand what model is in question. Most often, this question arises for beginners in the automotive world or for those who saw a rare specimen in the stream. The symbol of monarchy on the body is not just an ornament, but a sign of belonging to a certain line or an indication of the status of the model.
The most famous association that comes to mind for motorists is Toyota Crown. However, confusion arises because Toyota itself uses its signature oval, rather than the crown, as the main logo on the grille. The crown is often featured on the model itself as a separate branding element, which confuses inexperienced observers. In this article, we will take a closer look at which cars actually wear the crown and why the symbol is so popular with automakers.
It is important to understand that the crown can be depicted in different ways: gold, silver, with three, four or five teeth. The shape and context of the car depends on whether you are looking at a Japanese business class sedan, a French crossover or, perhaps, a customized car with a custom emblem. Let’s get into the details so you never get the identification wrong.
The legendary Toyota Crown: history and symbolism
When it comes to the phrase “a machine with a crown”, 90% of the time it is a model that is meant to be a car with a crown. Toyota Crown. This car has been produced since 1955 and is one of the oldest continuously produced sedans in the world. The Toyota emblem itself is three overlapping ovals, symbolizing the unity of the hearts of the customer and the company, as well as technological progress. However, on the models of the Crown series, you can often find a separate emblem in the form of a crown.
The crown on these cars is not the main brand logo, but serves as the model’s identifier. In Japan, in the domestic market, these cars were often sold through Toyota Crown Store dealerships, and the crown badge was intended to emphasize the elitism of the product. For many drivers, having this symbol on the trunk lid or on the steering wheel means that they have a reliable and comfortable Japanese sedan in front of them.
Key features of the model:
- 👑 Status: The car was originally designed for government employees and businessmen, hence the name "Crown".
- 🇯🇵 Market: For a long time, the model was focused mainly on Japan and some Asian countries, although it is now found in Europe.
- 🚗 Evolution: Over the decades, more than 15 generations have changed, and the design of the crown on the emblems has also changed.
It is important to note that in recent generations, especially in the Crown CrossoverThe design has become more aggressive, and the crown logo is sometimes integrated into the overall style or replaced with new nameplates. However, for classic sedans 120, 130, 150 body icon crown remains a hallmark.
Renault: French crown on the grille
If Toyota uses the crown as a symbol of a particular model, the French company Renault Integrated this element directly into its main logo. The modern Renault emblem we see on the roads is a stylized rhombus. However, if you look at history or look at some concepts and old models, you can see that the shape of the diamond is sometimes interpreted as a schematic image of a crown or diamond crowning the coat of arms.
Moreover, there have been periods in the history of the brand when the crown was used more explicitly in advertising campaigns or special series of cars, emphasizing the "royal" origin of the name (Renault is the name of the founders, but the associations with the monarchy in France are strong). However, most often when looking for a “crown car” in the context of Renault, they are referring to the shape of their logo, which resembles a faceted gem or crown in abstraction.
There is also a model Renault KoleosThe name of the vernacular is derived from the Greek word meaning "hand" or "crown" (meaning the top, the completion). Although there is no explicit crown image on this crossover icon, the etymology of the name often leads to confusion in search queries.
The Hidden History of the Renault Logo
Did you know that the shape of the diamond Renault was chosen by Louis Renault to represent the diamond, symbolizing reliability and strength? In some interpretations, the edges of the diamond are compared with the teeth of the crown, which makes the brand “royal” in a metaphorical sense.
It is important to distinguish between real-life crown images and abstract shapes. In the case of the French brand, the crown is more of a philosophical and historical heritage hidden in the geometry of the logo than a direct graphic element, like Toyota’s.
American Classic: Ford Crown Victoria
You can't talk about cars with crowns in their names and not mention the legend of American roads. Ford Crown Victoria. This full-size sedan was produced from 1992 to 2011 and has become a symbol of police stations and taxi fleets in the United States. The name "Crown Victoria" translates as "Crown Victoria", and it is directly related to the design of the roof.
Along the roof of the car was a strip of stainless steel, which visually separated the roof from the rest of the body. This stripe, or “crown,” was a distinctive design feature dating back to the 1950s. Although the grille featured a blue Ford emblem with letters, it was the name of the model that made it unique in its class.
Why is this model so popular?
- 🚔 Police interceptor: It was equipped with a powerful V8 engine and reinforced suspension, becoming the standard for the US police.
- 🎬 Movie hero: She has appeared in hundreds of movies and TV shows, often as a taxi or patrol car.
- 🛠️ Repairability: The simple design of the frame body made it easy to restore the car after serious accidents.
Today, Ford Crown Victoria is a desirable object for collectors and fans of the American automotive industry. Finding such a car with a whole body and a working engine is becoming more difficult, but its recognition remains at the highest level. If you see a large black sedan with a characteristic stripe on the roof, it is in front of you.
When buying a Ford Crown Victoria, pay attention to the condition of the frame and spars. Due to the heavy weight and police operation, these elements are often prone to corrosion, even if the body looks perfect.
Rare specimens and tuning: when the crowns put themselves
The world of car tuning and customizing is full of examples when owners independently change the appearance of their cars. A very popular trend, especially in the CIS countries and the Middle East, is the replacement of standard emblems with crown names. Most often, such "crowning" are subjected to cars of brands Toyota, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz.
Owners install crown badges on the steering wheel, on the grille or on the trunk lid, wanting to emphasize individuality or simply following fashion. Such emblems can be made of chromium, gold or even inlaid with rhinestones. This creates the illusion that there is some rare royal version of the car, when in fact it is only the imagination of the owner.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of non-standard emblems on the car can lead to problems when passing a technical inspection or registration in the traffic police. According to the rules, design changes affecting identification features (including logos) must be legalized or returned to their original state.
There are also rare models that are not mass. For example, some versions of the brand’s cars Studebaker old-model Hudson They could have elements of heraldry resembling crowns in their decor. But in today’s mass flow, such meetings are a rarity.
Sometimes the crown can be found on the emblems of specialized transport, for example, hearses or cars for wedding motorcades. In this case, the symbol carries a sacred meaning and adds solemnity to the appearance of the vehicle.
Comparative table: how not to confuse
To systematize the information and finally understand the issue, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the comparative table. It will help you quickly identify the car if you see a familiar silhouette or icon.
| Make/Model | Where is the crown? | Type of vehicle | Status of production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Crown | Separate nameplate on the body, steering wheel | Business-class sedan | Issued |
| Ford Crown Victoria | In the name, a strip on the roof. | Full-size sedan | Not issued (since 2011) |
| Renault (logo) | Abstract diamond | Various (crossovers, hatchbacks) | Issued |
| Tuning cars | On the grille, the steering wheel, the trunk. | Any stamps. | Depends on the car. |
As you can see from the table, Toyota Crown The crown is the only mass-produced car where the crown is the official and historical symbol of a particular model, not just a design element of the brand logo. The rest of the cases are either a play on the words in the title or the creativity of the owners.
☑️ How to identify a rare car model
Legal aspects of the use of symbols
The use of state symbols or heraldic insignia, such as crowns, on vehicles is regulated by the laws of many countries. In Russia, for example, there are strict rules regarding the use of color schemes and special signals. Although the crown itself is not prohibited, it should not imitate symbols of government agencies or intelligence agencies.
If the crown is part of the car logo (like the Toyota Crown), the traffic inspectors will not be questioned, as it is a registered trademark of the manufacturer. Problems can begin if the owner himself put on the car the image of the crown in combination with other elements that can be regarded as an attempt to pass off a civilian car for a high-ranking official or representative.
What to look out for:
- 📜 Legality: Make sure that stickers or nameplates do not overlap the view and do not imitate special signs.
- 🔍 Identification: The emblem should not complicate (identification) the make and model of the car.
- 🚫 Prohibitions: Avoid using symbols that may be perceived as political or extremist in a particular context.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing any decorative elements with heraldry, consult with the local traffic police department. In some regions, local restrictions on “excessive tinsel” on cars may be in place, which distracts other road users.
If you just bought a Toyota Crown, you’re safe. But if you plan to paste your VAZ with gold crowns, it is worth ten times to think about the consequences and expediency of such actions from the point of view of law and security.
The car with the crown on the badge is most often the Toyota Crown. However, always check the context: it can be a tuning game or a title game like the Ford Crown Victoria.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that the Toyota Crown will soon be discontinued?
The model does not disappear, but transforms. Toyota is moving the Crown name to a new global platform that combines sedan, crossover and sporty versions. The legendary name continues to live in new bodies.
Can I buy a Toyota Crown in Russia?
At the moment, official deliveries of new Toyota Crown to Russia are limited due to logistical and sanctions difficulties. Cars can be purchased through parallel import or find used options in the secondary market.
What does the crown on the Renault logo mean?
The Renault logo is officially a rhombus. However, historically and visually, its facets are often compared to the facets of a diamond or a schematic crown, which symbolizes the quality and premium of the brand, although there is no direct crown there.
How much does a Ford Crown Victoria cost in good condition?
The price varies greatly by condition and year of release. In the United States, a good copy can cost from 5 to 15 thousand dollars. In Russia, the price can be much higher due to the cost of delivery and customs clearance, often reaching 1.5-2 million rubles or more for ideal copies.
Is the crown badge on the steering wheel a sign of expensive equipment?
In the case of the Toyota Crown, yes, it is a regular element. In the case of other brands (Lexus, Mercedes), the presence of the crown on the steering wheel most often indicates that the owner installed it independently as part of the tuning, and this has nothing to do with the factory configuration.