When you see a car with wings on its emblem, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury and speed. This symbol is associated with flight, freedom and prestige, so it is not surprising that several automakers have chosen it. But which brands are hidden behind the winged logos? The answer is not as clear as it seems: in addition to the obvious Bentley there are other brands that use this motif.
In this article, we will look at which car companies chose wings for their logo, what this symbol means in each case, and how the history of the brands is connected to aviation. You'll also learn how to distinguish original emblems from fakes and why wings on a badge can affect the value of a car when buying or selling.
1. Bentley: wings as a symbol of speed and luxury
Bentley - the first brand that is associated with wings on the emblem. British luxury car manufacturer uses winged letter logo "B" since 1920. This symbol did not appear by chance: the founder of the company, Walter Owen Benley, was passionate about aviation, and his cars were often compared to airplanes for their power and dynamics.
It's interesting that the wings are on the emblem Bentley have a specific number of feathers - 10 on each side. This is not just a design decision: the number of feathers symbolizes the brand's 10 race victories 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s. Today, the wings logo is one of the most recognizable in the world of luxury cars.
- 🏆 Le Mans racing: Bentley won in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930 and 2003.
- ✈️ Aviation Heritage: In the 1930s, the company even produced aircraft engines.
- 💎 Luxury: The wings on the emblem emphasize the premium status of the brand.
If you see a car with a winged "B" on the radiator grill, that's almost certain Bentley. However, there are nuances: some models Aston Martin (especially the old ones) also have wings in the logo, but we'll talk about that later.
2. Aston Martin: wings in the logo - myth or reality?
Many people confuse Bentley and Aston Martin, because both brands are associated with British luxury. However, Aston Martin there were never wings in the official logo. However, on some older models (eg DB5, the famous James Bond car) you can see an emblem with a winged symbol.
The fact is that in the 1930s–1950s Aston Martin used a logo with a winged letter "A" in some versions. This was a tribute to the traditions of aviation (as well as Bentley), but today the brand has abandoned this element. Modern logo Aston Martin is just a stylized letter "A" without wings.
⚠️ Attention: If you are offered Aston Martin with wings on the emblem, it could either be a very old model (pre-1950s) or a fake. Official dealers do not sell such cars today.
To avoid mistakes, check:
- 📅 Year of production of the car (the wings were relevant until the mid-20th century).
- 🔍 Availability of original documentation (counterfeits often come without papers).
- 💰 Price (real Aston Martin with a winged logo is worth millions).
3. Other brands with wings: from Mini to little-known brands
Besides Bentley, other automakers also use wings in their logos, although not always as the main symbol. Here are some examples:
| Brand | Logo description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (classic models) | Winged symbol on the radiator grille | Used in the 1960s–1980s, today replaced by the modern logo |
| Alfa Romeo (some versions) | Snake devouring a man with wings | Symbol of the Visconti family, not associated with aviation |
| Nash (American brand, 1916–1957) | Winged symbol in the logo | The company has not existed for a long time, but its cars are a rarity |
| Hispano-Suiza (Spanish brand, 1904–1946) | Winged symbol on the hood | Collectible rarity cars, prices starting from $1 million |
Most of these brands do not produce cars today, but their winged logos can be found on rare models. If you see such a car for sale, it is worth checking its history - perhaps it is a collector's item.
Before buying a vintage car with a winged logo, check its VIN code through services like VIN.Check - this will help avoid fakes.
4. Wings on the emblem: what does this mean to the buyer?
If you're considering buying a car with wings on the badge, there are a few key things to consider:
- Premium status. Wings on the emblem Bentley or rare Hispano-Suiza automatically increase the cost of the car. Even if the car is in poor condition, its price may be inflated due to the brand.
- Difficult to maintain. Parts for luxury brands (especially rare ones) often cost several times more than for mass brands. For example, replacing a headlight with Bentley Continental GT can cost $5,000+.
- Insurance and taxes. Premium cars are more expensive to insure and tax. In some countries (for example, Singapore) ownership Bentley costs 2–3 times more than Toyota Camry.
On the other hand, cars with winged emblems hold their value better on the secondary market. For example, Bentley Flying Spur loses in value by 30–40% over 5 years, while mass-produced sedans lose by 50–60%.
Check your history through Carfax or Autocheck|
Inspection at an authorized dealer|
Test drive with a mechanic|
Checking documentation for originality -->
5. How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake?
Fake wing emblems are common, especially on the aftermarket. Fraudsters often put winged badges on ordinary cars (for example, Volkswagen or Skoda) to pass them off as bonuses. Here's how to spot a scam:
- 🔎 Workmanship. Original emblems Bentley Made from chrome plated metal rather than plastic. Counterfeits often have jagged edges and a dull shine.
- 📏 Size and location. Logo Bentley always located in the center of the radiator grille, and not on the side. On Mini classical models, the wings were small (about 5 cm wide).
- 💡 Backlight. On modern Bentley The emblem is illuminated in the dark. If the wings do not light up, it is either an old model or a fake.
Another way to check is to compare the car’s VIN code with the manufacturer’s database. For example, on the site Bentley you can enter the VIN and find out if the car is original. If the seller refuses to provide the VIN, this is a reason to be wary.
What to do if you have already bought a car with a fake emblem?
If you find that the emblem is fake, but the car itself is original (for example, Volkswagen with glued wings), you can:
1. Remove the fake emblem (this will not affect the car's operation).
2. File a complaint against the seller if he intentionally misled (in some countries this is considered fraud).
3. Check whether the fake emblem is hiding damage to the body (sometimes scammers glue badges to disguise dents or rust).
6. Wings on the emblem and culture: from cinema to racing
Winged car logos are inextricably linked with pop culture. For example:
- 🎬 Bentley with wings on the emblem often appears in films about billionaires and spies (for example, in the TV series "Billions").
- 🏁 Aston Martin DB5 (with the winged logo in older versions) is the legendary James Bond car.
- 🎵 In the video "Uptown Funk" Bruno Mars the main character rides on Bentley with wings.
Interestingly, the wings on the emblem sometimes become collectibles. For example, original metal badges Bentley 1950s ones sell for $1,000 to $3,000 at auction. If you find one at a flea market, it can be a bargain find.
Winged logos are also often used in tuning. Some owners BMW or Mercedes install emblems with wings to give the car a more aggressive or luxurious look. However, this can cause problems when selling: buyers may think that the car is fake.
7. The future of winged logos: what awaits the symbol in the era of electric vehicles?
With the shift to electric vehicles, many automakers are changing their logos to be more minimalistic. For example, BMW removed the 3D effect from its logo, and Volvo gave up the color blue. What will happen to the winged symbols?
Bye Bentley has not announced plans to change the logo, but experts predict that in the future the wings may become less noticeable or transform into digital symbols. For example, on a concept car Bentley EXP 100 GT (2019) the wings emblem is integrated into the lighting rather than being a separate element.
Perhaps in 10–20 years, wings on emblems will become a rarity, just like radiator grilles on electric cars today. If you appreciate classic design, now is the time to buy a car with this symbol - while it's still relevant.
The wings on the emblem are not just a design, but part of the brand’s history. Their presence can both increase the cost of the car and complicate its maintenance. Always check the authenticity of the logo before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous car brand with wings on its emblem?
Bentley is the most famous brand with a winged logo. Its emblem with the letter "B" and its wings are recognizable all over the world. Other brands (eg Mini or Hispano-Suiza) use wings less often or only on older models.
What do the 10 feathers on a Bentley's wings mean?
The 10 feathers on each wing symbolize Bentley's 10 wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1920s and 2003. This is a tribute to the brand's sporting heritage.
Is it possible to buy the original Bentley emblem with wings separately?
Yes, original emblems Bentley sold in official dealerships and at auctions (for example, eBay). The price of a new emblem is from $200, a rare one (1950–1970s) is from $1,000.
Why do some Aston Martins have wings and others don't?
Wings on the emblem Aston Martin Only used on models built before the 1950s. Modern cars of this brand have a logo without wings. If you see a new one Aston Martin with wings, most likely it is a fake or tuning.
Do the wings on the emblem affect the cost of insurance?
Yes, but indirectly. Badge wings themselves do not increase insurance, but brands that use them (e.g. Bentley), belong to the premium segment. Insurance for such cars is more expensive due to the high cost of repairs and spare parts.