A symbol of speed and power: why the horse became a car emblem
The horse hood emblem is one of the most recognizable automotive symbols in the world. It is associated with luxury, speed and sporting spirit, but not everyone knows what stands behind it. This sign is used by several legendary brands, and each has its own history of its appearance.
For some car enthusiasts, a horse on the hood is a sign of belonging to the elite club of owners Ferrari, for others - a tribute to the American muscle car Ford Mustang. And some people don’t even suspect that such emblems can be found on cars Porsche (in the form of a horse on the coat of arms of Stuttgart) or Lamborghini (bull, but with a horse theme in the model names). In this article, we will look at which brands use horse symbols, what they mean, and how not to fall for a fake when buying a car with such an emblem.
Interesting fact: the first horse on the hood appeared at the beginning of the 20th century - long before Ferrari. And today this symbol has become so popular that even Chinese automakers copy it, producing “clones” of famous models. But how to distinguish the original from the replica? More on this later.
Ferrari: the legendary Cavallino Rampante and its secret meaning
The most famous horse on the hood belongs to an Italian brand Ferrari. Its official name is Cavallino Rampante (Italian: “rearing stallion”). This symbol appeared in 1923, when the founder of the company, Enzo Ferrari, met with the parents of the deceased pilot Francesco Baracca, a hero of the First World War. On the fuselage of his plane there was an image of a black horse on a yellow background, and the pilot’s mother suggested that Enzo use this symbol as a talisman.
Original emblem Ferrari has several key details by which it can be distinguished from fakes:
- 🐎 Background color: official yellow shade -
Pantone 109 C(sometimes called "Ferrari Yellow"). - 🖤 Horse outline: Black, with clearly defined nostrils, tail and raised front leg.
- 🇮🇹 Flag of Italy: at the top of the emblem there are green, white and red colors.
- 🔤 Letters "SF": initials Scuderia Ferrari (racing team) under the horse.
Today Cavallino Rampante flaunts on the hood of all models Ferrari, from 296 GTB up to SF90 Stradale. But be careful: Chinese copies (eg. Zotye SR9) often imitate this emblem by changing shades or removing details. Original emblem Ferrari always has a holographic sticker with a serial number on the back - it cannot be faked without special equipment.
Ford Mustang: American Legend with a Wild Horse
Unlike Ferrari, where the horse is a symbol of racing heritage, Ford Mustang it represents the freedom and power of American muscle cars. First model Mustang was published in 1964, and its name was not chosen by chance: the wild horse Mustang is the embodiment of the spirit of the Wild West. The emblem represented galloping horse in red, white and blue colors (colors of the US flag).
Over the years, the design of the emblem has evolved:
| Years | Features of the emblem | Models |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–1973 | Horse in profile, red-white-blue background, the inscription "Mustang" underneath | Mustang I, Shelby GT350 |
| 1974–1978 | Horse in motion, no background, only outline | Mustang II |
| 1979–2004 | Volumetric horse with “wind” in the mane, silver color | Fox Body, SN-95 |
| 2005–present time | Modern 3D design, chrome elements | S550, Mach-E |
Distinctive feature Mustang — the emblem is not always located on the hood. On classic models (for example, 1967 Shelby GT500) it can be found on the radiator grille, and on modern versions (for example, 2023 Mustang Dark Horse) - on the rear of the body. By the way, in 2020 Ford filed a lawsuit against a Chinese company Jiangling Motors for copying the design Mustang in the model JMC Yuhu 7 - so even industry giants are fighting for the uniqueness of their symbol.
If you are buying used Ford Mustang, check for the presence of the original emblem on the body. On restyled models (for example, 2018+) it should have a holographic protective layer.
Porsche: Stuttgart coat of arms and hidden horse
U Porsche there is no horse directly on the emblem, but it is present indirectly - through the coat of arms of the city of Stuttgart (where the brand's headquarters are located). In the center of the coat of arms - rearing horse, which became part of the brand name Porsche since 1952. This emblem appears on the hood of all models, from 911 up to Taycan.
Interesting facts about the horse in the logo Porsche:
- 🏙️ The horse on the coat of arms of Stuttgart symbolizes stud farms, which were founded in this region back in the 15th century.
- 🎨 The colors of the emblem (black, red, yellow) match the colors of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
- 🚗 On racing models Porsche (for example, 917 or 919 Hybrid) sometimes they use a simplified version of the logo without a coat of arms.
Unlike Ferrari, where the emblem is a separate element, Porsche it is often integrated into the hood. For example, on Porsche 911 GT3 The logo is engraved directly into the metal rather than pasted on. This makes it harder for scammers trying to counterfeit luxury models.
How to check the authenticity of a Porsche emblem?
Original emblem Porsche has:
1. Microtext "Porsche" around the edge (visible under a magnifying glass).
2. Unique serial number on the back.
3. Magnetic properties (metal base).
If the emblem is plastic or does not attract a magnet, it is a fake.
Other brands with horse symbols: from Lamborghini to Chinese clones
Besides Ferrari, Ford and Porsche, the horse is present in one form or another in several other brands:
Lamborghini: Although the official emblem is a bull, many models have horse-related names (e.g. Lamborghini Espada - Spanish "sword", but also associated with knightly tournaments). And in 2019 the brand released a limited edition Centenario with an embroidered horse on the seats.
Chinese brands:
- 🚗 Zotye SR9 - almost an exact copy Porsche Macan, but with an emblem resembling Ferrari.
- 🐴 Hongqi HS7 - uses a stylized horse in the logo (although officially it is a “flying dragon”).
- 💨 Geely Emgrand (early models) - an emblem with a horse similar to Mustang.
Retro brands:
- 🏇 Studebaker (1950s-1960s) - Some models had a horse cart emblem.
- 🛡️ Bentley (special series) - the winged letter "B" is sometimes combined with a horse on hood signs.
1. Check the material (the original is metal or high-quality plastic).
2. Look for holographic stickers or serial numbers.
3. Compare colors with official brand shades.
4. Pay attention to the fastening (the originals often use hidden latches).-->
Legal nuances: is it possible to drive with a non-original emblem?
Many car owners ask: Is it legal to install an emblem? Ferrari or Mustang to your car if it is not original? The answer depends on the country:
B Russia and in most CIS countries this is not prohibited if:
- ⚖️ The emblem does not mislead regarding the make of the car (for example, you cannot stick a sign Ferrari on Lada and pass it off as the original).
- 📄 You do not use the logo for commercial purposes (for example, to advertise a car service).
B Europe and USA the rules are stricter:
- 🚔 In Germany, you can get a fine of up to €5,000 for counterfeiting a premium brand emblem.
- 🇺🇸 In the USA Ford and Ferrari actively suing those who illegally use their logos.
⚠️ Attention: If you are buying a used car with a premium brand logo (eg. Ferrari 360 Modena), be sure to check its authenticity through VIN code. Fraudsters often change body numbers and fake emblems in order to sell replicas at the price of the original.
How to care for the hood emblem: tips from experts
The emblem on the hood is not only a status symbol, but also an element that requires maintenance. This is especially true for metal signs Ferrari or Porsche, which may fade or corrode over time. Here are some pro tips:
For metal emblems:
- 🧴 Use special polishes for chrome (for example, 3M Chrome Polish or Meguiar's Metal Polish).
- 🧽 Wash the emblem soft brush (not with an abrasive sponge!) so as not to scratch the coating.
- 🛡️ Apply protective coating (for example, Ceramic Pro) once every 6 months.
For plastic or stickers:
- 🚿 Avoid high pressure washers — a jet of water can peel off the emblem.
- ☀️ When parking in the open sun, use hood coverto prevent paint fading.
- 🔧 If the emblem falls off, do not glue it with superglue - use 3M double sided tape or special automotive glue (Loctite 401).
⚠️ Attention: Never clean the emblem Ferrari or Porsche funds based acetone or alcohol - this destroys the protective varnish and holographic coating. To remove stubborn stains (such as bird droppings), use isopropyl alcohol (70%), diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.
Regular care of the emblem not only preserves its appearance, but also increases the resale value of the car. For example, Ferrari F430 with an original emblem in perfect condition can cost 5–7% more than a similar model with a worn sign.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the horse on the hood
Why does Ferrari's horse look to the left and not to the right?
This is a tribute to tradition: on the coat of arms of the Baracca family (from where Enzo Ferrari took the symbol), the horse was depicted facing left. In addition, in heraldry, the left side (from the observer's point of view) is considered more honorable.
Is it possible to order an original Ferrari or Mustang emblem separately?
Yes, but only through official dealers or certified services. For example, the logo Ferrari costs from $200 to $500 depending on the model, and the sign Mustang - about $50–$150. Please request a certificate of authenticity upon purchase.
What happens if you stick a Ferrari emblem on an ordinary car?
In most countries, this is not against the law as long as you do not pass off the car as original. However, in some cases (for example, when participating in exhibitions or filming for advertising), this may lead to lawsuit from the copyright holder of the brand.
What is the rarest version of the horse emblem?
One of the rarest is the emblem Ferrari 250 GTO 1962, where the horse was made in hand painted (not like a sticker). There are less than 40 such copies left, and their value exceeds $50 million.
Is it possible to restore a worn Porsche emblem?
Yes, but only in specialized studios. For example, a company Porsche Classic offers a service restoration of original emblems keeping the serial number. Cost - from €300.