Car brands with a horse on their badge: from the legendary Ferrari to Ford Mustang

When you see a car emblazoned with a proud stallion, it's more than just a vehicle - it's a symbol of speed, power and legendary heritage. Horses are more common in car logos than you might think, from luxury Italian supercars to American muscle cars and even Japanese sedans. But why exactly has this animal become so popular in the auto industry?

In this article we will look at all world car brands with a horse on the badge, we will reveal the history of their logos, talk about hidden meanings and show which models wear this emblem today. You will learn how to distinguish Ferari from Porsche according to the details of the horse, why Ford Mustang has become a cult favorite, and where to look for rare brands like Pegaso. And also - which of these cars with a horse on the hood can cost less than a used Granta? (spoiler: it's not a Ferrari).

1. Ferrari: the most famous horse in the world of cars

There is no more recognizable horse in the automotive industry than black stallion on a yellow background - emblem Ferrari. This logo appeared in 1923, when Enzo Ferrari did not yet produce cars under his own name, but raced cars Alfa Romeo. Legend has it that the horse was copied from the plane of Italian ace Francesco Baracchi, and the yellow color is a tribute to Ferrari's hometown of Modena.

Today's emblem Ferrari protected by law: it cannot be used without the company's permission, even in tattoos (yes, there were lawsuits!). It's interesting that the horse on the icon is always looking left - this is due to heraldic traditions. But on Scuderia Ferrari racing cars the horse sometimes turns to the right - that's a different story.

• 🏎️ Models with emblem: Ferrari 296 GTB, SF90 Stradale, Roma, Portofino
• 💰 New car price: from 250,000 € (the most affordable model is Purosangue, crossover)
• 🔧 Feature: The logo is never applied to the body - only as a separate sticker or embroidered sign

⚠️ Attention: Fake Ferrari emblems are often found on the secondary market. The original sticker has holographic protection and microtext "SF" (Scuderia Ferrari) around the edges.

2. Ford Mustang: American muscle car with a wild horse

If Ferrari is an aristocratic horse, then Ford Mustang - this is wild mustang, symbol of freedom and power. The galloping horse logo appeared in 1964 with the first Mustang. It is interesting that initially the emblem was static, but after restyling in 1974, the horse “reared up” - this is how it looks today.

Mustang is the only car on this list where the horse is not just a symbol, but part of the name. Moreover, Ford patented the word "Mustang" for cars, so other brands can't use it in model names (although there have been attempts - e.g. Toyota Mustang in the 1960s, but they quickly stopped after a lawsuit).

Generation	Years of production	Logo Features	The most famous model
1st	1964–1973	Horse in gallop, looking left, without stripes	Mustang Shelby GT500 (1967)
2nd	1974–1978	The horse reared up, red stripes appeared	Mustang II (the first "economy" Mustang)
6th (current)	2015–present	3D effect, the horse is more aggressive	Mustang Mach-E (electric crossover)

Today, the Mustang is not only a muscle car, but also an electric car (Mach-E). At the same time, the emblem on the electric version is different: the horse has become blue, symbolizing the transition to “green” technologies.

3. Porsche: the secret horse in the coat of arms of Stuttgart

Many people don’t notice, but on the emblem Porsche there is a horse too! He's hiding in coat of arms of Stuttgart — the city where the company was founded. In the center of the shield is a rearing stallion, the symbol of the Württemberg royal house. Interestingly, Ferdinand Porsche himself (the founder of the brand) did not want to use this coat of arms, but the Stuttgart authorities insisted - this is how one of the most recognizable logos in the auto industry appeared.

Unlike Ferrari, where the horse is the main element, in Porsche it is only part of the composition. But this does not prevent the brand from being one of the most prestigious. By the way, the Porsche emblem is one of the most counterfeit in the world. On the secondary market you can find stickers with errors: for example, a horse is facing the wrong direction or a deer antler is missing (another element of the coat of arms).

• 🐎 Where to look for a horse: In the center of the emblem, against the background of a red and black shield
• 🚗 Models with coat of arms: Everything from Porsche 911 up to Cayenne and Taycan
• 💡 Lifehack: On the original emblem the horse has 7 legs (3 visible + 4 hidden behind the shield)

⚠️ Attention: On the spare parts market, “replicas” of Porsche emblems with a horse made in a mirror are often sold. This is a violation of copyright and may cause vehicle inspection problems in some countries.

4. Pegaso: the Spanish horse that was almost forgotten

Few people remember, but in the 1950s–1960s, luxury sports cars were produced in Spain Pegaso - with an emblem in the form winged horse Pegasus. The brand belonged to the company ENASA (National Automotive Enterprise) and was positioned as the Spanish answer Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The most famous model is Pegaso Z-102 (1951) with a V8 engine and a body from Italian studios. These cars were so rare that today they can only be seen in museums or at auctions. For example, in 2015 Pegaso Z-102 Spider left the auction for 1.2 million €. The Pegasus emblem on these cars is unique: the horse is depicted in flight, with its wings spread, which symbolizes speed and lightness.

Where can you see Pegaso today?

In the museum Museo Nacional del Automóvil 5 original models are stored in Spain. Several more copies are in private collections, for example, Rafael Nadal has Pegaso Z-103 (1958).

Interesting fact: in the 1980s they tried to revive the brand by releasing Pegaso Z-103 with engine from Mercedes-Benz, but the project failed. Today the rights to the name belong to the company Hispano-Suiza, which sometimes uses Pegasus in its concept cars.

5. Other brands with a horse: from Japanese sedans to Chinese crossovers

In addition to legendary brands, the horse appears on the emblems of lesser-known brands. Here are some examples:

• 🇯🇵 Mitsubishi Starion (1980s): Some versions of this sports car had a sticker with white horse - a symbol of speed. Today these cars are a rarity, and the original emblem increases their value by 15–20%.
• 🇨🇳 Hongqi (Hongqi): Chinese premium brand uses logo with red horse against the background of a golden lattice. This is a tribute to tradition: the horse in Chinese culture symbolizes success.
• 🇮🇹 De Tomaso Pantera: The hood of this 1970s Italian supercar features black jaguar, but on some racing versions there is an emblem with a horse - as a tribute Ferrari.
• 🇷🇺 Mosvich-2141 “Aleko” (1990s): Some export versions had a sticker with galloping horse — an attempt to give a Soviet car a “Western” image.

If you are looking for a car with a horse on the emblem, but Ferrari and Porsche are too expensive, pay attention to Hongqi H9 — a premium sedan with a horse on the radiator grille. In Russia you can buy it from 3.5 million ₽ (2026), which is cheaper than used Porsche Cayenne the same year.

Make sure the horse is facing the right direction (for Ferrari - left, for Porsche - right)

Check for microtext or holograms (Ferrari and Mustang)

Compare the logo color with official brand photos

Pay attention to the fastening (the original usually has branded rivets) -->

6. Which horse on the hood will bring good luck? Signs and superstitions

In the automotive world, there are many superstitions associated with horse emblems. For example:

• 🍀 Ferrari: It is believed that a black horse on a yellow background attracts money, but only if the car red. Owners of white Ferraris often paint the emblem red, supposedly to “neutralize” bad energy.
• 🔥 Mustang: In the USA they believe that if the horse on the emblem “looks forward” (as on old models), the car will bring success in business. On the new Mustangs, the horse in profile is a symbol of personal freedom.
• 🛡️ Porsche: German car enthusiasts joke that the horse in the Stuttgart coat of arms protects against road accidents, but only if the car gray or silver.

Of course, these are just superstitions, but many collectors pay attention to them. For example, at auctions Ferrari 250 GTO with the “correctly” positioned emblem (knight strictly to the left, without displacement) can be sold at 5–10% more expensivethan identical models with re-glued signs.

7. Where can I buy a car with a horse on the badge? Tips for choosing

Have you decided to become the owner of a car with a horse emblem? Here are practical tips:

1. Ferrari: New cars are sold only through official dealers (in Russia - Ferrari Moscow). On the secondary market, pay attention to service history — without it, the price should be 30–40% lower than the market price.
2. Ford Mustang: In Russia it is officially sold only Mustang Mach-E (electric car). Classic muscle cars are brought from the USA - check VIN for drownings (a common problem after hurricanes in Florida).
3. Porsche: The most reliable models to buy 911 (997th generation) and Cayenne (first generation). Avoid cars with “tuned” emblems - this is a sign of neglect.
4. Hongqi: Officially presented in Russia Hongqi H9. When purchasing, check that the horse on the grille is red — on fakes it is often black.

Average prices on the secondary market (2026, Russia):

• Ford Mustang (2015–2018): 2.5–3.5 million RUR
• Porsche Boxster (2010–2014): 2–2.8 million ₽
• Ferrari California (2010–2014): 5–7 million ₽ (the most affordable Ferrari)
• Hongqi H9 (2020–2022): 3–4 million ₽

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Ferrari or Porsche with mileage be sure to check service history from an authorized dealer. These machines require special oils and spare parts - saving on service leads to engine overhaul already after 80–100 thousand km.

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

🔍 Why does the horse on the Ferrari emblem look to the left and not to the right?

This is due to heraldic traditions. In medieval Europe, a horse facing to the left (from the observer's point of view) symbolized peaceful intentions, and to the right - readiness for battle. Enzo Ferrari chose a left profile to emphasize the sporty rather than aggressive nature of his cars. Exception: racing cars Scuderia Ferrari, where the horse is sometimes turned to the right for better aerodynamics of the sticker.

💰 What is the cheapest car with a horse on the emblem?

If we talk about new cars, this is Hongqi H9 (from 3.5 million ₽ in Russia). You can find it on the secondary market Ford Mustang (2010–2014) for 1.5–2 million ₽ or even Mosvich-2141 with a horse sticker (up to 200 thousand ₽). But the last option is more of a curiosity than a full-fledged car with a “horse” history.

🛠️ Is it possible to change the horse emblem on your car yourself?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

• For Ferrari and Porsche This is a copyright violation - the company may require the logo to be removed.
• On Ford Mustang You can legally install alternative emblems (for example, with a horse of a different color), as long as they do not copy other people's brands.
• In Russia, for counterfeiting official emblems (for example, Ferrari) you can receive a fine under Art. 14.10 Code of Administrative Offenses (unfair competition).

🎨 Why is the horse on the Porsche emblem so small?

Because it is part of the Stuttgart coat of arms, and not the main element of the logo. Ferdinand Porsche wanted the emblem to reflect the connection with his hometown, but not to dominate the brand name. By the way, the first Porsche prototypes (1940s) did not have a horse at all - it appeared only in 1952.

🚗 Are there electric cars with a horse on their emblem?

Yes, there are three of them:

• Ford Mustang Mach-E — an electric crossover with the Mustang emblem.
• Porsche Taycan — an electric car with the traditional coat of arms of Stuttgart (and a horse inside).
• Hongqi E-HS9 — a Chinese electric crossover with a red horse on the grille.

I wonder what Ferrari still has not released a pure electric car, although a hybrid SF90 Stradale already in the lineup.