A car logo is not just a decoration on the hood or radiator grill. This is the brand’s business card, its philosophy and history, compressed into one symbol. among all the images that automakers use, horse occupies a special place. It is associated with speed, strength, freedom and nobility - qualities that are so valued in the world of cars.
But why a horse? Which brands chose this symbol, and what does it mean for each of them? In this article, we will look at the most famous horse logos, their history, hidden details and even the myths that are associated with them. You will learn how Ferrari connected with the First World War, why Ford Mustang became a legend of the American automobile industry, and what other brands use this noble animal in their symbolism.
We will also answer a question that worries many car enthusiasts: does the horse logo affect the resale value of the car? Spoiler: yes, but not in the way you think.
Ferrari: the legendary “horse” and its military past
When it comes to horses on car logos, the first thing that comes to mind is Ferrari. Famous black horse on a yellow background (or "Cavallino Rampante" - "rearing stallion") is known all over the world. But few people know that this symbol has a direct connection with the First World War.
The story begins with a fighter pilot Francesco Baracca, who shot down 34 enemy aircraft and became a national hero in Italy. On his fighter he depicted a black horse - the symbol of his native Bologna. After Baracca's death in 1918, his mother suggested Enzo Ferrari use this symbol on your racing cars for good luck. This is how the logo appeared in 1923 Scuderia Ferrari, and later - the company itself.
Interestingly, the horse was originally red, but Ferrari chose black as a sign of mourning for the deceased pilot. The yellow background is a tribute to the city of Modena, where Enzo was born. A letters S F (Scuderia Ferrari) appeared only in 1932, when the team began to officially compete in racing.
- 🐎 Why is the horse rearing? It is a symbol of victory and intrepidity, taken from the coat of arms of the Baracca family.
- 🏁 Where else is the logo used? On pilots' helmets Formula 1, company merchandise and even on some models Maserati (until 1997).
- 💰 How much does a logo cost? According to Forbes, brand Ferrari is valued at $9.4 billion (2023), and the horse is a key part of it.
⚠️ Attention! If you see a car with a logo Ferrari, but without inscription SF or with a red horse - this is a fake. The original sign is always black and yellow.
Ford Mustang: the wild horse that conquered America
In 1964 Ford introduced a model that forever changed the auto industry - Ford Mustang. The name and logo (a stylized head of a wild horse) were not chosen by chance. Lee Harvey Oswald, the company's vice president, wanted to create a car that would embody freedom, power and the American spirit.
The word itself «mustang» (Spanish) «mestengo») means "wild horse without a master". This perfectly conveyed the concept of the car: an affordable yet stylish sports car for young people. The logo was developed by the designer Phil Clark, who was inspired by sculptures of ancient Greek horses.
First Mustang were sold with an emblem on the radiator grill, where the horse ran to the left. But a year later the direction was changed to the right - according to legend, to “show movement forward.” Today the logo has become iconic: it is worn on T-shirts, tattoos and even used in films (for example, in the film "Bullitt" 1968 with Steve McQueen).
- 🚗 How many Mustangs have been sold in 60 years? More than 10 million copies are a record among American sports cars.
- 💨 Fastest Mustang? Shelby GT500 2020 accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
- 🎨 Unique logos: For anniversary models (for example, Mustang 50th Anniversary) the horse is painted in silver or gold.
If you're buying a used Mustang, check that the logo is original. Replicas often use simplified versions without signature strokes on the mane.
Porsche: the secret horse in the Stuttgart coat of arms
Many are surprised to learn that the logo Porsche there is also a horse. But here it is hidden in the city's coat of arms Stuttgart - the birthplace of the company. The coat of arms depicts a rearing stallion on its hind legs, which symbolizes the stud farms that founded the city in 950.
Ferdinand Porsche chose this coat of arms for the logo in 1952, adding deer antlers (the symbol of Württemberg) and red and black stripes (the colors of the state of Baden-Württemberg). Thus, the logo became a reflection of local history, and not just a marketing ploy.
It is interesting that the horse on the Stuttgart coat of arms faces left, but on the logo Porsche - to the right. This is done for the harmony of the composition. There is also a myth that the horse on the emblem Porsche 911 has 1 leg more than on the city’s coat of arms - but this is not true: it’s just a different viewing angle.
| Logo element | Meaning | Year of appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Rearing horse | Symbol of Stuttgart (stud farms) | 950 (city coat of arms) |
| Deer antlers | Coat of arms of Württemberg | 1952 |
| Red and black stripes | Colors of the land of Baden-Württemberg | 1952 |
| "Porsche" inscription | Brand font (designed by Erwin Komenda) | 1952 |
⚠️ Attention! On fake spare parts for Porsche Often there is a logo with a horse facing left, or with the wrong number of stripes. Original parts always have clear engraving.
Other brands with a horse in their logo: from Lamborghini to little-known brands
In addition to giants like Ferrari and Porsche, other automakers also use a horse in their logo. Here are the most interesting examples:
1. Lamborghini
Although the main symbol Lamborghini - bull, on some models (for example, Lamborghini Miura) you can see a small horse. This is a tribute Ferruccio Lamborghini, who was born under the sign of Taurus, but was fond of horses. In 1963, he even bought a farm to breed thoroughbred horses.
2. Koenigsegg
Swedish supercar Koenigsegg has a logo in the form of a stylized shield with a silhouette ghost horse. Founder of the company Christian von Koenigsegg, was inspired by Scandinavian legends, where horses symbolized the connection between the world of people and gods.
3. Vector Motors
American supercar manufacturer Vector (1970s–2000s) used a running horse logo. This was a hint at the speed of their models, such as Vector W8 (maximum speed - 340 km/h).
4. TVR
British company TVR (known for its handcrafted and eccentric designs) featured a logo with a horse's head in profile. This is a reference to Trevor Wilkinson, the founder of the brand who loved horse racing.
- 🏇 Lamborghini: The horse appears only in special series, for example, Miura P400 SV (1971).
- 👻 Koenigsegg: The ghost horse in the logo glows in the dark on some models (eg Agera RS).
- 🇺🇸 Vector: The horse logo was registered in 1978, but the company went bankrupt in the 1990s.
Why do some brands hide a horse in their logo?
Many brands avoid directly using the horse so as not to be associated with Ferrari. For example, Lamborghini focuses on the bulls, and Porsche - on the city's coat of arms. This helps create a unique image without copying competitors.
The horse on the logo and the cost of the car: myths and reality
Many people believe that a car with a horse logo is automatically more expensive. This is partly true, but not because of the symbol itself, but because of the brand that it represents. Let's see how the logo affects the price:
1. Ferrari and Porsche:
Cars of these brands with a horse in the logo are really more expensive than average brands. But the point is not in the symbol, but in exclusivity, history and technical characteristics. For example, Ferrari SF90 Stradale (2026) costs from $500,000, and Porsche 911 Turbo S - from $220,000. The logo here is only confirmation of status.
2. Ford Mustang:
Here the horse does not add value in itself, but anniversary or limited editions (for example, Mustang Shelby GT350R) can cost 2–3 times more than the base model. In this case, the logo becomes a collectible artifact.
3. Used market:
On the secondary market, a horse logo can either increase or decrease the price. For example:
- Ferrari 360 Modena (2000s) with the original logo will be more expensive than a replica.
- Ford Mustang 1967 with the “wrong” knight (looking to the left) will lose value for collectors.
Examine the paint on the emblem under a magnifying glass (the original has no streaks)
Check for company engravings (for example, SF on Ferrari)
Compare with official photos of the logo on the manufacturer’s website
Make sure the horse is facing the right direction (for example, to the right in a Porsche)
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According to Hagerty (auction house of classic cars), cars with iconic logos grow in price 15-20% faster than their counterparts without bright symbols. But this rule only works for rare models.
How to care for a logo on a car: tips from experts
The logo on the hood or radiator grill is not only decoration, but also part of the history of your car. To keep it looking like new, follow these tips:
1. Washing:
- Use soft sponge and pH neutral shampoo (for example, Meguiar’s Gold Class).
- Never scrub the logo with a hard brush - this will damage the paint or chrome plating.
- For hard-to-reach places (for example, between letters SF on Ferrari) use toothpick wrapped in microfiber.
2. Polishing:
- Chrome logos (like Porsche) polish with a metal polish (for example, Autoglym Metal Polish).
- For plastic emblems (e.g. on Ford Mustang) will do universal polish (for example, 3M Restorer).
3. Protection:
- Apply nanoceramic coating (for example, Ceramic Pro) - it will protect the logo from fading and scratches.
- In winter, treat the emblem anti-corrosion spray (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
- 🚿 What not to do: Wash the logo under high pressure (the adhesive backing may fall off).
- ☀️ Solar protection: When parking in the sun for a long time, cover the hood with a cover made of breathable material.
- 🔧 Repair: If the logo breaks off, do not glue it with superglue - use
special auto glue(for example, 3M Automotive Adhesive).
Original logos Ferrari and Porsche made of metal with hand engraving. Counterfeits are usually plastic and lighter in weight.
Myths and legends about horses on car logos
There are many stories associated with logos containing horses, from true to completely absurd. Here are the most famous:
1. "Ferrari kills Lamborghini bulls"
Legend says that Ferruccio Lamborghini chose a bull for the logo because Enzo Ferrari once said: “You know about tractors, not sports cars.” In fact, Lamborghini was simply born under the sign of Taurus and was fond of bullfighting.
2. “The horse on the Mustang runs to the left because it is a ‘failure’ model.”
This is a myth. On the contrary, the first Mustang 1964–1966 with the horse facing left, are today more highly valued by collectors than later versions.
3. “Porsche is hiding a secret code in its logo.”
Some claim that the number of stripes on the logo Porsche corresponds to the number of victories in Le Mans. In fact, the stripes are the colors of the state of Baden-Württemberg, and the brand has many more victories (19 for 2026).
4. “The Ferrari logo brings good luck.”
Many racers believe that a black horse on a yellow background protects against accidents. Statistics don't confirm this, but Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel always wore badges with Cavallino Rampante.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about horses on car logos
Why does Ferrari use a black horse and not a red one?
Black color was chosen Enzo Ferrari as a sign of mourning for the pilot Francesco Baracca, who died in 1918. The red horse was on his fighter, but after the death of his mother, Baracca suggested that Ferrari use the black version for good luck.
Can you legally use the Ferrari logo on your car?
No. Logo Ferrari is protected by copyright and illegal use may result in legal action. The exception is replicas for personal use (for example, helmet stickers), but selling such items is prohibited.
Which horse in the logo is the oldest?
The oldest is the horse on the coat of arms Stuttgart (950), which later became part of the logo Porsche. Among automakers, the first to use a horse Ferrari in 1923.
Does the direction of the horse on the logo affect the price of the car?
Yes, but only for collectors. For example, Ford Mustang 1965 with the horse facing left may cost 10–15% more than the restyled version of 1966 (knight to the right). For ordinary buyers this does not matter.
What other animals are used in auto logos?
In addition to horses, popular:
- 🐂 Bull (Lamborghini, Dodge Ram)
- 🦁 Leo (Peugeot, Alfa Romeo)
- 🦅 Eagle (Aston Martin, Eagle Cars)
- 🐍 Snake (Alfa Romeo, Shelby)