Have you seen a car on the road with an emblem with wings on it and wondered: what brand is it? Winged symbols are among the most recognizable in the automotive world. They are associated with luxury, speed and legendary brands whose history goes back more than a century. But not all hood fenders are the same: each manufacturer has its own unique design, hiding a special story.

In this article we will look at all car brands with winged emblems, from the most famous to the rare. You will learn how to distinguish Bentley from Mini by the shape of the wings, why Aston Martin chose this symbol, and which budget cars also wear the “feathered” sign. And also - which winged emblems are prohibited for use on public roads in some countries and why.

1. Bentley: B wings - a symbol of British luxury

The most famous winged emblem belongs to Bentley - a brand that has represented premium sedans and sports coupes since 1919. Logo in the form of spread wings with a letter "B" in the center appeared in 1920, but its modern version was approved only in the 1930s. Interestingly, wings originally symbolized speed (in honor of victories Bentley in racing 24 Hours of Le Mans), not luxury.

Today's emblem Bentley - this is:

  • 🦅 Wing shape: wide, with ends curved upward, reminiscent of an eagle's.
  • 🔄 Color range: silver or chrome-plated metal, sometimes with black trim.
  • 🚗 Models: Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga (crossover).

⚠️ Attention: Counterfeit emblems are common on the used market. Bentley on Chinese cars (for example, Hongqi). The original emblem always has laser engraving on the back and is attached with special rivets, and not with double-sided tape.

📊 Which brand with a winged logo do you associate with luxury?
Bentley
Aston Martin
Mini
Red Bull Racing
Other

2. Aston Martin: angel or demon wings?

Logo Aston Martin - these are stylized wings with the inscription AM in the center. Unlike Bentley, here the wings are narrower and extended upward, which gives the emblem a dynamic look. Legend has it that the founder of the brand Lionel Martin inspired by the statue of an Egyptian god Horus with falcon wings - a symbol of protection and victory.

Features of the emblem Aston Martin:

  • 🖋️ Font: inscription ASTON MARTIN designed in a unique serif font.
  • 🎨 Colors: traditionally green (British racing color) and white, but often chrome on modern models.
  • 🏁 Racing background: the emblem adorned the legendary DB5 (James Bond car) and Vantage.

💡 Useful fact: On the model Aston Martin Valkyrie (2021) the emblem is made of carbon fiber and weighs only 3 grams - it is the lightest winged emblem in the world.

3. Mini: unexpected wings on a compact hatchback

Yes, even budget Mini Cooper has a winged emblem! It appeared in 2001 after rebranding under the leadership BMW. Wings here symbolize freedom and mobility, which is ideal for a city car. Minimalistic design: two wings framing a circle with an inscription MINI.

How to distinguish the original:

  • 🔍 Size: the emblem is small (diameter ~5 cm), in contrast to massive signs Bentley.
  • 🎨 Color: black background with silver wings and red accents (on sports versions John Cooper Works).
  • 🚘 Models: Mini Hatch, Countryman, Clubman.
Why did Mini choose wings?

Initially, the brand wanted to emphasize its connection with aviation (like many British brands), but after the purchase of BMW in 1994, the wings began to symbolize “flight” through city streets.

4. Red Bull Racing: bull wings are a symbol of speed in Formula 1

Although Red Bull Racing is a racing team, not a serial manufacturer, its emblem with wings of a bull has become a cult. The logo represents two bulls with red wings, butting heads together. He decorates the cars Formula 1 and limited edition supercars, e.g. Red Bull RB17 (2026).

Interesting facts:

  • 🐂 Origin: symbol taken from energy drink cans Red Bull (bull - strength, wings - energy).
  • 🏎️ Road ban: in some countries (for example, Germany) the use of this emblem on civilian cars prohibited due to association with extreme driving.
  • 💰 Cost: original emblem from the car Max Verstappen at auction goes for $10 000+.
💡

If you want to decorate your car with a sticker Red Bull Racing, check local laws. In Russia, such stickers are not prohibited, but in the EU they may be required to be removed during technical inspection.

5. Other brands with winged emblems: from Hongqi to Zagato

Wings on the emblems are also found in lesser-known brands. Here's a quick overview:

Brand Description of the emblem Where is it used? Unique Feature
Hongqi (China) Red wings with a golden crown Presidential limousines Hongqi L5 Symbolizes the "rise of China"
Zagato (Italy) Stylized wing with letter "Z" Exclusive coupes (Alfa Romeo TZ3) The emblem is hand-stamped
Bristol (UK) Wings with propeller Retro cars Bristol 400 Reminiscent of the brand's aviation past

⚠️ Attention: Emblems Hongqi and Zagato often faked for tuning. The original signs have serial number on the back and come only with dealer documentation.

6. How to distinguish a fake winged emblem from the original?

Fake wing emblems are a common problem, especially for Bentley and Aston Martin. Here is a checklist to check:

Material: stainless steel or aluminum (not plastic)

Fastening - rivets or screws (not glue)

Engraved - Dealer logo or serial number on back

Weight - the original weighs from 20 grams (Mini) to 150 grams (Bentley)

Color: chrome or matte silver, no yellow tint-->

🔎 Authenticity test:

  1. Shine a flashlight at an angle - there shouldn't be any rainbow stains (a sign of cheap chrome plating).
  2. Try bending the edge of the wing slightly - original does not deform from light pressure.
  3. Check with a magnet: original emblems Bentley and Aston Martin do not magnetize (stainless steel is used).

Most countries use winged emblems not prohibited, but there are exceptions:

  • 🚫 Germany: emblems Red Bull Racing and go-fast (for example, with the inscription "Turbo") may result in a fine for “provoking dangerous driving.”
  • 🇷🇺 Russia: there is no direct prohibition, but if the emblem covers VIN number or registration mark, the traffic police inspector may issue a fine under Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses (500 rubles).
  • 🇺🇸 USA (California): Emblems with wings greater than 7.5 cm in diameter require certification as a “decorative element”.

📜 Legal advice: If you are installing a non-standard logo, please keep your receipt and certificate of conformity. In case of disputes with the traffic police, this will help prove that the sign does not violate Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011.

💡

Emblems with wings do not affect the cost of compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance or technical inspection if they do not cover the mandatory designations (for example, the "Sh" sign for a beginner).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about winged emblems

🔹 Why do so many brands use wings in their logo?

Wings symbolize speed, freedom and technological progress. At the beginning of the 20th century, aviation was the latest technology, and automakers wanted to be associated with innovation. For example, Bentley and Bristol had direct ties to the aviation industry.

🔹 Is it possible to buy the original Bentley emblem separately?

Yes, but only official dealers or in certified online stores (for example, Bentley Motors Shop). The cost of a new emblem for Continental GT - about 15,000–20,000 rub.. On the secondary market (eBay, Avito) the risk of running into a fake is 70%.

🔹 What is the oldest winged emblem?

The Oldest - logo Bristol (1919), but it was not widespread. The first serial emblem with wings was the sign Bentley (1920). Interestingly, the wings were originally black and were located horizontally.

🔹 Why are the wings red on some Aston Martins?

Red wings are a special edition Aston Martin Racing, dedicated to racing models. For example, on Vantage GTE (2018) the emblem is made in the colors of the British flag: red wings on a blue background with white edging.

🔹 Is it possible to make an emblem with wings yourself?

Yes, but there are nuances:

  • If you are making a logo for personal use, it's legal.
  • If you copy registered logo (for example, Bentley) and sell - this is a violation of copyright (Article 1487 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
  • For 3D printing use stainless steel or aluminum — plastic fades quickly in the sun.