Car emblem with wings: decoding of symbols, history and 5 ways to check authenticity

Interestingly, some brands, e.g. Chrysler, gradually abandoned winged emblems in modern models, saving them only for retro series or concept cars. But Bentley and Aston Martin remain true to tradition, although their logo designs have evolved.

It is important to understand that wings on an emblem do not always mean premium. For example, Irmscher puts his badges on modified ones Opel Astra or Insigniawho belong to the middle class. Therefore, before buying a car with such an emblem be sure to check the VIN code - this will help avoid fakes.

2. The history of the appearance of winged emblems: from aviation to the auto industry

The connection between wings and cars is not accidental. At the beginning of the 20th century, aviation and the automobile industry developed in parallel, and many engineers worked in both industries. For example, founder Bentley Walter Owen Bentley had a passion for airplanes, and this was reflected in the logo design.

The first winged emblems appeared in the 1910s and 1920s, when cars began to symbolize speed and freedom - the same values as airplanes. Here are the key milestones:

• 📅 1919 — Bentley registers a racing-inspired wings logo Le Mans (later in the 1920s).
• 🛩️ 1926 — the Maserati brothers choose a trident against the background of the wings as a tribute to the statue of Neptune in Bologna and their passion for speed.
• 🏆 1930s — Chrysler uses wings in logo for models Airflow, emphasizing aerodynamics.
• 🎭 1950s — winged emblems become a symbol of the “golden age” of American muscle cars (for example, Packard or Studebaker).

Fun fact: emblem Aston Martin with wings was invented not by the founders of the brand, but by the artist Earl Howe, who also designed logos for aviation companies. He suggested the stylized wings as a reference to the car's "flight" on the road.

Today, winged emblems are often associated with retro style. For example, Maserati released a limited edition in 2020 MC20 with a classic logo on the hood, although in standard models it uses a simplified version.

3. What do the details of the winged emblems mean: symbols and their meaning

Wings on emblems are never random—each element carries a meaning. Let's figure out what's behind the designs of the most famous logos.

Please note: Bentley wings always spread out to the sides, and Aston Martin - slightly raised up. This is a key feature by which original emblems can be distinguished. Counterfeits often confuse the angle of the wings, making them too straight or, conversely, too curved.

One more nuance: on the emblems Maserati wings always symmetrical, and the trident is located strictly in the center. Fake badges often have a misaligned center or mismatched wing angles.

4. How to distinguish an original emblem with wings from a fake: 5 proven methods

Fake wing emblems are more common on the secondary market than you might think. Fraudsters put them on regular cars, passing them off as premium brands, or sell them as “original spare parts.” Here's how to avoid getting scammed:

Study the material (originals are made of metal or high-quality plastic with a metallized coating)

Check the fastening (on the originals there are hidden latches or screws with company engraving)

Compare color and gloss (counterfeits often fade or have an uneven finish)

Check the serial number (there is usually a marking on the back of originals)

Check with official catalogs (for example, Bentley emblems for different models differ in size) -->

Pay special attention logo weight. Original badges made of stainless steel or brass weigh significantly more than plastic copies. For example, the logo Aston Martin for model DB11 weighs about 120 grams, while a fake is no more 50 grams.

Another reliable method is ultraviolet testing. Many manufacturers (eg. Bentley) invisible marks are applied to the back of the emblems, which glow under a UV lamp. Such lamps are always available in the showrooms of official dealers.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the emblem for inspection or claims that “it is stuck on forever,” this is a reason to doubt the authenticity. The original badges are attached with screws or clips and can be easily removed without damage.

For additional checking, you can use services like CarVertical or AutoDNA, which show the vehicle's history, including replacement parts. If the report indicates that the car was previously, for example, Opel Insignia, and now there is an emblem on it Irmscher, this is a reason to suspect fraud.

5. Legal risks: what happens if you drive with a fake emblem

Installing a fake premium brand emblem on a car can result in not only moral, but also legal problems. In Russia and the EAEU countries this is qualified as:

• 📜 Trademark infringement (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) - fine up to 500,000 rubles for legal entities.
• 🚔 Consumer fraud (Article 14.7 of the Administrative Code) - if the car was sold as a “premium” one with a fake logo.
• 🔍 Fraud (Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) - if the counterfeit was used to sell a car at an inflated price.

In practice, the most common cases are re-sticking emblems on budget cars (for example, Chevrolet with logo Maserati) or selling counterfeit parts. In 2022, a case was recorded in Moscow when the owner Kia Rio fined for the emblem Bentley on the radiator grill - the traffic police inspector considered this “misleading.”

If you bought a car with a fake emblem, you have several options:

1. Demand termination of the purchase and sale agreement through the court (if the seller knew about the counterfeit).
2. Remove the emblem and return the car to its original appearance (the safest option).
3. Contact Rospotrebnadzor if the counterfeit affects the cost of the car.

⚠️ Attention: Even if you are not selling a car, but simply driving with a fake emblem, this can become a problem when passing a technical inspection or applying for compulsory motor liability insurance. Insurance companies have the right to refuse payment if they discover a labeling discrepancy.

6. How to properly care for an emblem with wings: tips from restorers

Original wing emblems are often made of metal with a chrome or enamel coating, which requires careful care. Here's what the experts recommend:

• 🧽 Washing: Use only soft sponges and neutral detergents (e.g. Sonax or Meguiar’s). Abrasives scratch the coating.
• 🛡️ Protection: Apply wax or ceramic coating (such as Ceramic Pro) 2 times a year to protect against corrosion.
• 🔧 Repair: If chipping or tarnishing appears, contact a chrome restoration specialist (polishing yourself may make the damage worse).
• 🌡️ Storage: In winter, avoid washing with hot water - temperature changes destroy the enamel.

For emblems made of plastic (for example, Irmscher) It is important to avoid harsh chemicals such as solvents or acidic cleaners. They may cause clouding or cracking of the material.

If the emblem falls off or cracks, do not try to glue it with superglue - this will ruin the mount. Original badges are attached to special screws or clips, which can be ordered from the dealer. For example, for Bentley Continental GT a set of fasteners costs approx. 5,000 rubles, but this guarantees reliable fixation.

7. Where to buy an original emblem with wings: trusted sources

If you need to replace a lost or damaged emblem, here are reliable ways to purchase an original:

When purchasing, be sure to ask the seller:

1. Photo of the emblem from the reverse side (mounts and markings should be visible).
2. Warranty card or certificate of authenticity (from dealers).
3. Batch number or serial number (for checking against the manufacturer's database).

If you are looking for an emblem for a vintage car (eg. Chrysler Airflow 1930s), contact specialized restoration workshops. They often make copies from original drawings, which is cheaper than buying an antique part.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about wing emblems