Have you ever noticed a car on the road with an emblem that resembles crown with sharp thorns? This memorable symbol arouses curiosity among many car enthusiasts. Some people mistake it for a logo Mercedes-Benz (due to the traditional three-pointed star surrounded by a ring), others - for the emblem Rolls-Royce (with her statue "Spirit of Ecstasy"). But in fact, we are talking about a completely different brand, whose history goes back to the beginning of the 20th century.
In this article, we will not only reveal the name of the brand, but also dive into the history of its logo, figure out which models wear this emblem today, and even talk about hidden design details that you may not have noticed. If you are planning to buy a used car with this sign or just want to show off your knowledge in a conversation with friends, this material is for you.
Which car brand uses the crown and spikes logo?
The answer is simple: we are talking about a Swedish automaker Saab. However, there is a nuance here. The point is that original Saab logo depicts griffin head - a mythical creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body, crowned. Exactly the sharp "spikes" on the griffin's crown are often perceived as a separate element of the logo, which creates confusion.
The griffin was not chosen by chance: it symbolizes the connection of earth and air, which reflected the company's aviation past (Saab began as an aircraft manufacturer). The crown indicates a historical connection with the Swedish kingdom - the brand has long been the “royal supplier” of equipment.
- 🚗 Saab Automobile - an automotive division that existed from 1947 to 2012.
- ✈️ Saab AB is the parent aviation and defense company that still exists today.
- 🔄 NEVS is a company that bought the rights to the Saab brand in 2012 (today it produces electric cars under a different name).
Interestingly, after bankruptcy Saab Automobile in 2012, the griffin logo was no longer used on new cars. However, on the secondary market, cars with this emblem are still in demand among connoisseurs of Scandinavian design and aviation heritage.
The evolution of the Saab logo: from airplanes to cars
The first version of the logo appeared in 1945 - two years before the release of the first car Saab 92. The design was developed by a Swedish studio Sixten Sason, known for her work for the aviation industry. Initially, the griffin was more aggressive, with pronounced claws and beak, and the crown had only three teeth.
Over the years the logo has softened:
- 🔹 1960s — the griffin became less angular, the crown acquired five “spikes”.
- 🔹 1980s — details reminiscent of military themes have been removed (Saab wanted to distance itself from the aviation past).
- 🔹 2000s — the logo was simplified to a minimalistic version, which was used until the closure of the brand.
| Year | Changes to the logo | Debutant model |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | The first version with a griffin and a 3-pronged crown | - (there were no cars yet) |
| 1956 | Added "spikes" to the crown (5 teeth) | Saab 93 |
| 1984 | Simplification of the griffin, removal of "military" features | Saab 9000 |
| 2010 | Latest version: flat design, no volume | Saab 9-5 (second generation) |
It is curious that in some countries (for example, the USA) the Saab logo was sometimes called "crown with spikes"or even"devil's crown"because of its unusual appearance. It has become part of the brand's folklore.
Which Saab models wore the crown emblem?
Over 65 years of production Saab Automobile released more than 20 models, but only some of them received cult status. Here are the key cars with the griffin logo:
- 🚘 Saab 92 (1949) - the brand’s first production car, with an aerodynamic body reminiscent of an airplane.
- 🚗 Saab 96 (1960) - a legendary model that was sold for 20 years (!) and became a symbol of reliability.
- 🏎️ Saab 900 Turbo (1978) - the first production turbo engine in a mass-produced car.
- 🚙 Saab 9-3 (1998) - the last successful model before the crisis.
- 🚕 Saab 9-5 (1997–2012) - a flagship that never received a second generation due to bankruptcy.
Especially prized among collectors Saab 900 Turbo 16S (1984–1993) - a machine that combined aviation technologies (for example, windshield defogger from the engine, like in airplanes) and a unique design. Today, such copies on the secondary market cost from 500,000 to 1.5 million rubles, depending on the condition.
Originality of the logo (often faked on replicas)|Condition of the turbine (if the model is with Turbo)|Electronics (Saab was famous for complex systems)|Body for rust (Scandinavian cars often rot from below)-->
Why is the Saab logo confused with other brands?
There are several reasons why the emblem Saab mistaken for logos of other brands:
- Mercedes-Benz: a three-pointed star in a circle is also associated with luxury and the aviation past (company Daimler supplied engines for aircraft). However, Mercedes no crown - only a laurel wreath in some versions.
- Rolls-Royce: The "Spirit of Ecstasy" statue on the radiator is sometimes perceived as a crown, especially on older models.
- Volvo: Swedish origin and minimalist logo (circle with diagonal stripe) are also misleading.
Moreover, in the 1990s–2000s Saab belonged to General Motors, and some models (for example, Saab 9-7X) shared a platform with American SUVs Chevrolet TrailBlazer. This confused car enthusiasts even more.
How to distinguish the original Saab logo from a fake?
In the original, the griffin is facing left, not right. The crown has exactly 5 teeth (on fakes there may be 3 or 7). On emblems after 2000 there are no three-dimensional elements - only a flat sticker.
Where can you see the crown and spikes logo today?
Although Saab Automobile ceased to exist in 2012, the griffin logo is still found:
- 🚗 Used cars: There are still many on the secondary market Saab 9-3 and 9-5 (especially in Scandinavia and Germany).
- ✈️ Aviation technology: company Saab AB still produces aircraft and radars with a griffin on board.
- 🔋 NEVS electric vehicles: Chinese-Swedish project NEVS used a modified logo for his prototypes (eg. NEVS 9-3 EV).
- 🎭 Pop culture: the logo appears in films (for example, in "Bond" Saab 900 was Monepenny's car) and games (GTA IV).
Interesting fact: there are still amateur clubs in Sweden Saab, which restore old models. For example, Saab 96 V4 (1967–1980) with a two-stroke engine is considered a rarity today.
If you are looking for spare parts for Saab, pay attention to the article numbers with the prefix SAAB or SCA (Scandinavian Automotive Parts). Many parts are interchangeable with Opel (due to cooperation with GM).
How much does a car with a "crown with spikes" logo cost?
Prices for Saab on the secondary market range from 100,000 to 3 million rubles, depending on the model, year of manufacture and condition. Here are the approximate ranges (data for 2026 for Russia):
| Model | Year of manufacture | Price, rub. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saab 9-3 (first generation) | 1998–2002 | 150 000 – 300 000 | Frequent electrical problems |
| Saab 9-5 (first generation) | 1997–2005 | 250 000 – 500 000 | Reliable engine, but expensive suspension repairs |
| Saab 900 Turbo (1980s) | 1980–1993 | 500 000 – 1 500 000 | Cult status, shortage of spare parts |
| Saab 9-3 Aero (2003–2012) | 2003–2012 | 400 000 – 900 000 | The best choice for daily use |
When purchasing, pay attention to:
⚠️ Attention: Cars older than 2000 often have problems withturbine(lifetime ~150,000 km) andelectronics(Saab control units are notoriously capricious). Before purchasing, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders and the conditionautomatic transmission(if there is one).
Is it possible to buy a new car with the Saab logo today?
Unfortunately, no. After bankruptcy Saab Automobile in 2012, the production of cars under this brand was discontinued. However, there are several alternatives for fans of the brand:
- 🔌 NEVS Emily GT (2023) - an electric car from the company that bought the rights to Saab. The logo is different, but the design resembles Saab 9-3.
- 🚗 Used Saab — there are still many well-preserved copies on the secondary market.
- 🛠️ Replicas and restyling - some workshops offer modifications to other cars (for example, Opel Insignia) under the Saab style.
In 2021, there were rumors about the revival of the brand Saab under the wing of a Chinese company Evergrande, but the project was never implemented. Today, the only way to own a car with a griffin logo is to buy a used one or follow the news NEVS.
If you like Saab style, check out Volvo S60 or Polestar 2 — they inherited the Scandinavian minimalism and safety that were the hallmark of the Swedish brand.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Saab logo
Why does the Saab logo have a griffin?
The griffin symbolizes the connection of earth and air, which reflected the company's aviation past. In addition, this mythical creature was associated with strength and reliability - qualities that Saab wanted to convey in its cars.
How many "spikes" are there on the crown in the Saab logo?
In the final version of the logo (from the 1980s), the crown has 5 teeth. Early versions (1940s–1950s) may have had 3 or 4 "spikes".
What is the most expensive Saab model on the secondary market?
The highest prices are Saab 900 Turbo 16S (1984–1993) in perfect condition - up to 3 million rubles. Also appreciated Saab 96 V4 (1967–1980) and Saab 9000 Aero (1990s).
Is it possible to put the Saab logo on another car?
Technically yes, but this may raise questions from the traffic police when registering (if the emblem does not match the brand in the PTS). In addition, real Saab fans have a negative attitude towards such alterations.
Where are Saab parts made today?
Main suppliers:
- 🔧 Orio AB (Sweden) - official distributor of original spare parts.
- 🔧 Scandinavian Automotive Parts (SCA) - specializes in replicas and analogues.
- 🔧 Opel - some details (for example, for Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra C) are interchangeable.