When you see a bird car emblem, you're not just looking at a random design choice. Birds in automaker logos carry deep symbolism: freedom, speed, flight and even mythological roots. From the legendary Mercedes-Benz from its stylized goddess of victory to the exotic Bugatti with a red bird - each brand puts its own unique meaning into the feathered symbol.
In this article we will look at all world car brands with birds in their logos, from the most famous to the little-known. You will find out which models of these brands are in demand on the Russian market in 2026, how the history of the company influenced the choice of symbol, and why some birds (for example, eagles or swallows) are more common than others. And also - Let's reveal the secret why a bird emblem can affect the resale value of a car.
If you are choosing a car and want its logo to tell a story, or are simply interested in car symbols, this article is for you. Let's start with the most famous brands, whose emblems are recognizable at first sight.
1. Mercedes-Benz: goddess of victory or bird?
Logo Mercedes-Benz is one of the most recognizable emblems in the world, but not everyone knows that its basis is not just a star, but stylized image of the goddess of victory Nike with spread wings. In ancient Greek mythology, Nike was often depicted with wings, which gave rise to the name “winged victory.”
Interestingly, the company itself has never officially confirmed that this is a bird. However, designers and auto industry historians agree: Nike's wings inspired the creators of the logo to create a shape reminiscent of flying bird in a circle. This symbol appeared back in 1909, when the company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft registered a three-pointed star, and later added a ring as a sign of the brand’s global presence.
- 🚗 Popular models 2026: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class, GLE
- 💰 Average price on the secondary market: from 2.5 million rubles. (for C-Class 2018) up to 20+ million rubles. (for Maybach S-Class)
- 🔍 Interesting fact: In the 1930s on racing cars Mercedes They painted silver birds as a symbol of speed.
⚠️ Attention: There are fake emblems on the Russian market Mercedes-Benz with a “bird” design are often found on Chinese replicas. Check the VIN before purchasing!
2. Bugatti: the red bird is a symbol of luxury
Emblem Bugatti - this is stylized red bird, surrounded by 60 red dots (the number of rivets on the radiator of the first models). Legend has it that the company's founder, Ettore Bugatti, was inspired by the story of a bird that saved his father from death. However, the official version is simpler: the bird symbolizes speed and ease, and red color is a passion for racing.
Today Bugatti is synonymous with hypercars. Model Chiron Super Sport (2026) reaches speeds of up to 420 km/h, and its price starts from 25 million euros. But even on the secondary market, cars of this brand with the “bird” emblem do not lose value. For example, Bugatti Veyron 2010 today costs about 1.5–2 million euros - more than at graduation!
| Model Bugatti | Year of manufacture | Max. speed (km/h) | Average price (2026, rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiron Super Sport | 2021–2026 | 420 | 2.2 billion |
| Veyron 16.4 | 2005–2015 | 407 | 120–150 million |
| Divo | 2018–2021 | 380 | 500–600 million |
3. Aston Martin: the winged symbol of British elegance
Emblem Aston Martin - this is wings with letter "A" in the center, which appeared in 1927. Design inspired by the myth of Icare, but with an important amendment: the wings here symbolize not a fall, but freedom and ambition. Interestingly, until the 1930s, the logo was black and white, and the color version appeared only after victories in races Le Mans.
Today Aston Martin associated with luxury sports cars and connections to James Bond. Model DB12 (2023) with its 680-horsepower engine is a prime example of how the brand maintains tradition while keeping up with technology. And on the secondary market Aston Martin Vantage (2018–2022) can be found for 6–8 million rubles., making it one of the most affordable premium bird machines.
When buying used Aston Martin Be sure to check the service history - the engines of these cars require special care, especially if the car has been used for track days.
4. Little-known brands with birds in their logos: from Italy to China
Not only premium brands use birds in their logos. There are also lesser-known brands whose logos deserve attention:
- 🦅 Alfa Romeo (Italy): The logo has snake eating a man, but in some versions it was depicted above eagle - a symbol of power and freedom. Today the eagle is gone, but the history remains.
- 🕊️ Datsun (Japan): In the 1930s the emblem featured flying dove, symbolizing peace. Now the brand has been revived, but the bird has given way to a stylized letter "D".
- 🦢 Hongqi (China): This brand's logo includes swan - a symbol of purity and nobility. Hongqi HS7 — one of the few Chinese cars with a “bird” emblem that are officially sold in Russia.
- 🦉 Innocenti (Italy): This disappeared brand (produced Mini under license) had an emblem with owl - a symbol of wisdom.
If you are looking for an unusual car with a bird in its logo, pay attention to Hongqi E-HS9 — an electric crossover with a swan on the hood, which in 2026 costs from 5.5 million rubles..
Why are eagles most often found in car emblems?
The eagle is a universal symbol of strength, power and freedom that is associated with many cultures. In the automotive industry, it underlines the dynamics and ambitions of the brand. For example, Eagle (American brand from the 1980s) or Imperial (a division of Chrysler) used eagles to attract buyers seeking prestige.
5. Birds in the logos of Russian and Soviet cars
In the domestic auto industry, birds in emblems are less common, but there are still interesting examples:
- 🦅 ZIL-114 (1967–1978): On the hood of this limousine for the party elite was eagle - a symbol of Soviet power. Today such cars are a rarity; their price at auctions reaches up to 10–15 million rubles.
- 🕊️ Mosvich-2140 (1976–1988): In some export versions, the emblem depicted dove of peace - as a tribute to international buyers.
- 🦢 GAZ-14 "Chaika" (1977–1988): Although there is no official bird in the logo, people called this car a “swan” for its smooth body contours.
Today, Russian automakers do not use birds in their logos, but on the secondary market, Soviet rarities with “bird” symbols are in demand among collectors. For example, ZIL-114 with the original eagle on the hood can cost in 2–3 times more expensivethan the same model without the emblem.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing Soviet rarities with bird emblems, check the authenticity of the parts - many badges are restored or counterfeited!
6. How does a bird in a logo affect the cost of a car?
Can a bird emblem increase or decrease the price of a car? Yes, and here's why:
- Brand premium. Brands like Mercedes-Benz or Bugatti automatically add value due to image. For example, Mercedes-Benz S-Class With mileage it loses value more slowly than a similar one BMW 7 Series, precisely because of the status of the brand.
- Collectible value. Cars with unique emblems (eg. ZIL-114 with eagle) can cost 30–50% more than standard versions.
- Associations with racing. If the bird in the logo is associated with racing history (like Aston Martin), this adds value. For example, Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond's car) with the original logo stands from $1.5 million.
However, there is also a downside: some brands with birds in their logo (for example, Eagle or Innocenti) have long disappeared from the market, and their cars are difficult to sell at high prices due to the lack of spare parts.
Make sure that the emblem is original (not a replica)
Check the history of the brand - not all brands with birds in their logo exist today
Estimate the cost of spare parts (for rare models)
Find out if the bird in the logo is a sign of tuning (sometimes icons are changed) -->
7. Future: What new brands could use birds in their logos?
In 2026, automakers are increasingly turning to environmentally friendly symbols, and birds as a symbol of freedom and nature may become a trend. Here are some perspectives:
- 🦢 Electric cars: New brands (for example, Chinese Zeekr) can use birds to emphasize “lightness” and environmental friendliness.
- 🦅 Hypercars: Startups like Rimac or Pininfarina they can add bird motifs to the logo to associate it with speed.
- 🕊️ Autonomous cars: Birds as a symbol of freedom of movement may appear among brands developing drones (for example, Waymo).
Already today, some concept cars use birds in their design. For example, Mercedes-AMG One (2023) features aerodynamic lines reminiscent of wings, and its logo references the brand's racing history.
Birds in car emblems are not just a design, but a marketing tool. They create an emotional connection with the brand, emphasizing its history and values.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with birds in the logo
🔹 Why do so many automakers choose eagles for their logos?
The eagle is associated with strength, power and freedom — qualities that automakers want to convey to their cars. Additionally, the eagle is a universal symbol understood across many cultures. For example, in the USA the eagle represents patriotism (as in the brand Eagle in the 1980s), and in Europe - aristocracy (as in Imperial).
🔹 What is the cheapest car with a bird in the logo that you can buy in Russia?
Among the new cars are Hongqi E-HS9 (from 5.5 million rubles), and on the secondary market - Datsun on-DO (2014–2022) with a dove in the old version of the logo (price from 400 thousand rubles). However, please note that Datsun is no longer in production and parts may be a problem.
🔹 Is it true that cars with birds in their logo lose value faster?
No, it depends on the brand. Premium brands (Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin) keep the price well, but cars of disappeared brands (for example, Eagle Talon) may become cheaper due to lack of service support.
🔹 Is it possible to order a custom emblem with a bird for your car?
Yes, many tuning studios offer such services. For example, on Toyota or BMW You can install an emblem with an eagle or a falcon. However, this may affect the warranty and resale value. In Russia, such changes require registration with the traffic police if they affect the structure (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
🔹 Which bird in the logo is the rarest?
Owl on the emblem Innocenti (Italian brand 1960–1990s) or swan Hongqi. Both brands are little known in Russia, and their cars are very rare.