When you see a car with a crown emblem, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury and aristocratic heritage. But in fact, a crown in a car logo can mean more than just premium status. Some brands use it as a tribute to tradition, others as a symbol of technological leadership, and still others simply as an element of corporate identity that goes back centuries.

In this article we will look at all car brands with a crown on their emblemthat can be found on the roads today - from ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce to mass Peugeot and Datsun. You will learn what the crown means in each case, how it has evolved along with the brand, and which models of these brands are in demand on the secondary market. And also - which of these cars with a crown can be bought for 500 thousand rubles, and which one - only for several tens of millions.

1. Rolls-Royce: the crown as a symbol of absolute luxury

If we talk about cars with a crown on the emblem, then Rolls-Royce is the first brand that comes to mind. Here the crown is not just a design element, but an integral part of the legend. The company's founders, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, initially positioned their cars as transport for kings and aristocrats. That is why the logo with two letters “R” intertwined and topped with a crown appeared back in 1906.

Interestingly, the crown itself is on the emblem Rolls-Royce is not an exact replica of any real royal crown. This is a stylized version that symbolizes the highest level of craftsmanship and exclusivity. Today the brand belongs to the concern BMW, but the traditions remain: each car is hand-assembled, and the crown emblem is still made of stainless steel and plated with a layer of silver.

  • 👑 Meaning: The crown represents the status of a “car for kings” and impeccable quality.
  • 🚗 Popular models: Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan (crossover).
  • 💰 Resale price: From 8 million rubles for Ghost 2010 up to 50+ million for new models.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Rolls-Royce Be sure to check the service history. These vehicles require specialized maintenance, and a missed inspection can cost millions in repairs.

2. Peugeot: crown as a tribute to your hometown

French brand Peugeot - a clear example of how the crown on the emblem is not associated with luxury. Here she appeared thanks to the coat of arms of the region Franche-Comté, where the company's first factory was located. In 1847, the Peugeot family registered a logo with a lion standing on an arrow and a crown above it. It was a symbol of the strength and flexibility of the metal that the company produced (originally Peugeot I worked not on cars, but on saws and bicycles).

Modern logo Peugeot has undergone many changes, but the crown has remained - now it is stylized as the head of a lion. Interestingly, in 2021 the brand introduced a new logo without a volumetric effect, where the crown became barely noticeable, but still retained its place. This is proof that even mass brands value their history.

  • 🏭 Origin: The crown is taken from the coat of arms of the Franche-Comté region (France).
  • 🚗 Popular models: 3008, 508, 208 (electric version).
  • 💰 Resale price: From 600 thousand rubles for 206 up to 3.5 million per 508 PSE (hybrid).
📊Which Peugeot with a crown on the emblem do you like better?
3008 (crossover)
508 (sedam/station wagon)
208 (hatchback)
9X8 (hypercar)

Few people know, but the Japanese brand Datsun (predecessor Nissan) also had an emblem with a crown. In the 1930s, the company used a logo with a stylized crown, which symbolized connection with the Emperor of Japan. The fact is that the word “Datsun” comes from the abbreviation “Dat Car” (company car Dat Motorcar Co.), and “Dat” in turn was an acronym for the names of three investors: Den, Aoyama, Takeuchi. The crown added solidity to the young brand.

Today Datsun revived as a budget sub-brand Nissan for emerging markets (for example, Russia, India, Indonesia). The modern emblem does not contain a crown, but on the secondary market you can still find rarities like Datsun 240Z or 510 with original icons. These cars are highly prized by collectors, especially in the United States, where they are called "Japanese Muscle Cars."

Model Year of manufacture Average price (resale, Russia) Features
Datsun 240Z 1970–1973 1.2–2.5 million rubles. Cult sports car, “Japanese Porsche”
Datsun 510 1968–1973 800 thousand–1.5 million rubles. Front-wheel drive sedan, drift legend
Datsun mi-DO 2014–present 350–500 thousand rubles. Budget hatchback based on Lada Granta
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing classic Datsun pay attention to the body - these cars suffer greatly from rust, especially in the arches and sills. Spare parts for rarities often have to be ordered from Japan or the USA.

4. Irmscher: the crown as a sign of the tuning studio for Opel

This brand is not known to everyone, but among fans Opel name Irmscher sounds like a symbol of premium tuning. The company was founded in Germany in 1968 and specialized in car modifications Opel, Ford and BMW. Their emblem is a stylized letter "I" with a crown on top, which emphasizes elite status their projects.

Today Irmscher officially cooperates with Opel, offering factory tuning packages for models like Insignia or Grandland X. Cars with logo Irmscher easy to recognize by its aggressive bumpers, sports suspension and exclusive interior trim. On the secondary market, such cars cost 15–30% more than standard versions, but their purchase requires careful checking - not all are “tuned” Opel have undergone official revision.

Check the VIN for the official package|Inspect the nameplates - the original has a hologram|Compare the parts with the Irmscher catalog|Check the documents for revision-->

5. Forgotten stamps with a crown: from Kaiser to Steyr

In addition to well-known brands, less popular automobile companies also used the crown on the emblem. Here are some examples:

  • 👑 Kaiser (USA, 1945–1955): The crown on the emblem symbolized the “imperial” style of the cars. The brand did not last long, but its models (for example, Kaiser Darrin) are prized by collectors today.
  • 🏰 Steyr (Austria, 1920–1940): The Austrian crown in the logo emphasized the connection with the Habsburg monarchy. The brand was famous for its reliable trucks and military equipment.
  • 🇯🇵 Prince (Japan, 1952–1966): The crown on the emblem referred to the principle (prince) - the heir to the throne. The brand was later absorbed Nissan.

These cars are real rarities today. For example, Steyr 220 with the original emblem can be found every few years at auction, and its price can exceed 1 million euros. If you come across such a copy, be sure to check the authenticity of the emblem - fakes are common.

Where to look for rare cars with a crown?

The most reliable sites for searching:

- Bring a Trailer (USA, rarities auctions)

- Mobile.de (Germany, filter by classic cars)

- Japanese auctions (through intermediaries, for example, Be Forward)

- Owners clubs (for example, Rolls-Royce Owners' Club)

Beware of scammers - always ask for a complete vehicle history and photos of the VIN.

6. How to buy a car with a crown on the emblem: practical advice

If you decide to purchase a car with a crown on the logo, it is important to understand that the approach to purchasing will depend on the class of the car. Here are the key points:

  1. For premium brands (Rolls-Royce, Bentley):
    • Check service history with an authorized dealer.
    • Pay attention to the mileage - many royal cars drive little, but require regular maintenance.
    • Be prepared for high insurance and tax costs (eg. Rolls-Royce in Russia is subject to increased transport tax).
  • For mass brands (Peugeot, Datsun):
    • Study the typical “diseases” of the model (for example, Peugeot 307 - electrical problems).
    • Check to see if the emblem has been removed - on the secondary market there are often cars with “re-glued” badges.
    • For classic Datsun It is mandatory to check for rust and originality of the body.

    Regardless of the brand, always check the VIN through services like Autocode or CarVertical. This will help you avoid buying a stolen car or a car with bad mileage. For rare models, it makes sense to order an independent examination - the cost of an error here can amount to millions.

    💡

    Upon examination Peugeot or Datsun with a crown on the emblem, pay attention to the fastening of the badge. On original cars it is screwed on rather than glued. Fake logos are often held in place with double-sided tape.

    7. Myths and misconceptions about cars with a crown

    There are many myths associated with cars that have a crown on their emblem. Let's look at the most common ones:

    • 🚫 “All cars with a crown are premium”: In fact, Peugeot and Datsun prove the opposite. A crown can symbolize a brand's history rather than its status.
    • 🚫 "Rolls-Royces don't break": This is a dangerous misconception. For example, air suspension Phantom requires replacement every 100–150 thousand km, and the cost of repairs can reach 1 million rubles.
    • 🚫 “The crown on the emblem increases the value of the car”: Only if we are talking about collectible models. On the secondary market Peugeot 206 with and without a crown they cost the same.

    Another common misconception is that a crown on an emblem guarantees the high status of the owner. In practice, many people buy Peugeot or Datsun with such a logo simply because they like the design, and not for the sake of displaying wealth. In the case of Rolls-Royce or Bentley the situation is different, but even here there are owners who prefer not to advertise their condition.

    💡

    A crown on an emblem is not always a sign of luxury. It can tell the story of a brand, its connection to a region, or even political symbolism (as in the case of Datsun).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with a crown on the emblem

    🔍 Why don't some Peugeots have a crown on their emblem?

    From 2021 Peugeot began the transition to a new logo, where the crown became barely noticeable or disappeared completely (for example, on the electric e-208). This is part of a rebranding effort to simplify the design. However, on classic models (until the 2010s), the crown remains.

    💎 What is the cheapest car with a crown on the emblem?

    On the secondary market it is Datsun mi-DO or on-DO (price from 300–400 thousand rubles). Among the new cars - Peugeot 208 in the basic configuration (from 1.5 million rubles).

    🛠️ Is it possible to put an emblem with a crown on any car?

    Technically yes, but it can cause problems:

    • If the logo imitates the logo of a premium brand (for example, Rolls-Royce), this may be considered copyright infringement.
    • On some machines (for example, Opel) Unofficially replacing the emblem may result in warranty issues.
    • In Russia, administrative liability is provided for forgery of brand logos (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
    📜 Are there cars with a crown that can only be bought at auctions?

    Yes, this is:

    • Rolls-Royce Sweptail (2017, single copy, sold for $13 million).
    • Datsun 240Z in perfect condition (price at auctions reaches $100 thousand).
    • Steyr 220 (rare models are sold at Bonhams or RM Sotheby’s).

    To participate in such auctions, registration is required and often a deposit of 10-20% of the starting price.

    🚗 Which car with a crown is the most reliable?

    Among the mass brands - Peugeot 3008 (after restyling in 2020). Among the bonuses - Rolls-Royce Cullinan (despite its complexity, it shows high reliability with proper maintenance). Among the rarities - Datsun 510 with original spare parts.