The visual perception of a car begins long before you see its silhouette or hear the sound of its engine. The first thing the eye always falls on is central part of the radiator grille, where the manufacturer’s logo proudly flaunts. The wings emblem is one of the most common and recognizable motifs in automotive heraldry, symbolizing speed, freedom and the flight of engineering.
However, not all logos are the same, and sometimes even experienced car enthusiasts confuse icons of different brands that are similar in style. Winged emblems They are used by both premium British brands with a century-old history, and modern Asian concerns seeking to emphasize the dynamics of their models. Understanding the intricacies of design helps not only to see the car on the road, but also to better understand the philosophy of the brand.
In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of the most famous “winged” logos, analyze their history and learn to distinguish them by key details. You will learn why some signs have changed their appearance, while others remain unchanged for decades, and how to determine the origin of a car by the shape of its wings.
The symbolism of wings in automotive design
The use of wings in automobile industry logos is not an accident, but a tribute to tradition, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. In those days, the car was perceived as a miracle of technology, capable of giving a person unprecedented speed, comparable only to the flight of a bird or an airplane. Therefore aviation theme became dominant in the creation of the first brand marks.
Wings on the emblem usually signify the pursuit of perfection, overcoming gravity and technical limitations. For many manufacturers, this is a way to declare their belonging to the upper class or sports elite. For example, Aston Martin uses this image to emphasize aristocracy and speed, while Bentley emphasizes power and reliability by combining fenders with a massive "B" design.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse stylized wings with real images of birds. Automotive heraldry often uses abstract or schematic feather shapes to symbolize air movement rather than specific species.
Modern design strives for minimalism, and many complex emblems with detailed elaboration of each feather are simplified. However, the essence remains the same: wings on the hood are a visual code that communicates the dynamic nature of the car. Even if the car is standing still, its logo is already “moving”, creating a feeling of potential energy.
It is interesting to note that winged emblems are often found on brands that either have a historical connection to the aviation industry or simply want to be associated with high technology. It is a universal language that can be understood without translation anywhere in the world.
British aristocracy: Aston Martin and Bentley
When it comes to cars with wings on their badges, the first two titans of the British car industry that come to mind are: Aston Martin and Bentley they use this motif, but put different meanings and visual embodiments into it. It is important to distinguish them not only for the sake of erudition, but also to understand what class of cars you are dealing with.
Logo Aston Martin is an elongated rectangle with rounded edges, inside of which there are horizontal lines that form stylized wings. The brand name is placed in the center. This sign changed several times, but always retained its elongated, “streamlined” shape, reminiscent of the profile of a car in motion. It is a symbol of pure and racing heritage.
In contrast, the emblem Bentley more massive and detailed. Here the wings “grow” from the central letter “B”, which is surrounded by a circle. The feathers are drawn more realistically and aggressively, which symbolizes not just speed, but power and dominance on the road. Bentley is associated with heavy luxury, where performance is combined with first-class comfort.
- 🦅 Aston Martin: The wings are inscribed in a horizontal oval or rectangle; the brand name is often part of the very shape of the wings.
- 🅱️ Bentley: The letter "B" in a circle, from which detailed, "heavy" wings extend out to the sides.
- 💎 Materials: On premium models, these emblems are often made of chromed steel or even inlaid with precious materials.
Both brands use chrome and black varnish as the main colors, but at Bentley you can often find a combination of gold or bronze in limited editions.
Historical fact about Bentley
In the original 1919 logo, the wings were directed horizontally, symbolizing stability. The modern upward slope came later to add dynamism and forward-looking design.
Eastern approach: Chery, Genesis and Hyundai logos
Asian automakers also actively use the winged theme, but their approach to design is often more geometric and modern. While the British rely on history, brands from Korea and China look to the future, using wings as a symbol of technological breakthrough.
One of the most famous examples is Chery. For a long time, the Chinese concern used the emblem, which was popularly nicknamed “paw”, but in recent years the brand has switched to a new style. The modern Chery logo is a stylized letter “A” (from the word Auto), which simultaneously resembles both wings and an arrow pointing upward. This is a sign of ambition and growth.
Korean brand Genesis, which is the luxury division of Hyundai, also chose wings as its symbol. Their logo is a shield with two diverging elements that resemble wings or even an open book. The design is made in the “G-Matrix” style and is distinguished by strict symmetry and cold shine, which emphasizes the status of the brand.
Worth mentioning myself Hyundai. Although their main logo is a slanted "H" in an oval, many people mistake it for wings due to the dynamic slant. However, in their sub-brand or in certain concepts you can find variations where the emphasis shifts specifically to speed. Also, wings (or their likeness in the form of the letter V) can be found on VinFast - a Vietnamese manufacturer actively entering the world market.
- 🇨🇳 Chery: The letter "A" with wings, symbolizing leadership and moving forward.
- 🇰🇷 Genesis: A shield with radiating wing-like elements, often with a 3D effect.
- 🚀 VinFast: The letter "V", stylized as wings or tails, symbolizes speed and efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts or accessories based on the photo of the emblem, be careful. Logos of Chery and some other Asian brands are often copied by counterfeit manufacturers. The original emblem always has clear edges and uniform coverage.
The difference between these brands lies in the details of execution. Genesis uses silver and sharp edges, while Chery often combines chrome with a black or red background. Understanding these nuances will help you instantly identify the make of a car, even if you are seeing it for the first time.
If you are not sure about the brand of the car based on the emblem, pay attention to the shape of the radiator grille. On Genesis it is always large and scaly, while on Chery it often has a mesh structure or horizontal lines.
Rare and forgotten stamps with wings
The car world is full of brands that have fallen off the radar or never made it into the mainstream but have left their mark on design history. The emblem with wings was found among many manufacturers, whose names are now known only to collectors and historians of the automobile industry.
One of these brands is Morgan. This British vintage car manufacturer uses an emblem with wings on which the company name is written. In contrast to the sleek lines of the Aston Martin, the Morgan's fenders have a more lively and detailed look that fits perfectly with their wood framed bodyshells and classic design.
It's also worth remembering Hispano-Suiza. The Spanish-Swiss brand, which produced luxury cars and aircraft engines, used a logo with a winged emblem, often combined with an image of a stork (symbol of the Alsace region where the plant was located). It was a symbol of the highest engineering art of the early 20th century.
Another example - Chrysler at certain periods of its history. Although their main logo is a star or letters in a circle, winged motifs were used in some concepts during the 1930s to highlight the connection with aviation. Also actively uses wings (in the shape of the letter V) Vauxhall (the British equivalent of Opel), although there it is more of a griffin than just wings.
There are also many small tuning shops and specialist manufacturers who have added wings to their logos. For example, Alpina (partner of BMW) uses an emblem that resembles a wheel with elements similar to wings or spokes, symbolizing their roots in the production of textile machines and subsequent transition to automobiles.
☑️ How to distinguish a rare emblem
Comparative table of emblem characteristics
To systematize information and facilitate visual memorization, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly navigate the main differences between popular brands that use winged symbols.
| Car make | Main element | Wing style | Color range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin | Elongated rectangle | Horizontal stripes inscribed in the shape | Green, silver, chrome |
| Bentley | Letter "B" in a circle | Massive, detailed, radiating from the center | Silver, black, gold (rare) |
| Genesis | Shield | Two diverging parts resembling wings | Silver, chrome |
| Chery | Letter "A" / Triangle | Stylization of the letter and wings at the same time | Silver, black, red background |
| Morgan | Oval with name | Classic, with feathers | Silver, green, red |
As can be seen from the table, base shape (circle, shield, rectangle) is a key differentiating feature. Even if the wings themselves are made in a similar way, the context in which they are placed immediately indicates the manufacturer.
It's also worth considering the evolution of logos. For example, Genesis relatively recently updated its sign, making it flatter and more modern, abandoning three-dimensional elements. Therefore, looking at old photos, you may see a slightly different version of the emblem.
How to distinguish an original from a fake by the emblem
Owners of cars with winged emblems often face the problem of their badges being stolen or damaged. When replacing, it is important to install the original part, as cheap copies can quickly lose their appearance. Original emblem always has ideal geometry and high-quality coating.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the reverse side. On original parts from Bentley or Aston Martin There is always a manufacturer's marking, part number and brand logo, embossed or lasered. Counterfeits often have a smooth back or poor-quality casting seam.
The second sign is weight and material. Real premium emblems are heavy as they are made of zinc alloy or multi-layer plated brass. Plastic copies coated with chrome will be much lighter and feel warmer to the touch.
- 🔍 Border clarity: In the original, the transition between colors (for example, black and silver) is perfectly smooth, without paint smudges.
- ⚖️ Weight: The original metal emblem is always heavier than its plastic counterpart.
- 📏 Geometry: The symmetry of the wings must be absolute. Any distortion indicates handicraft production.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an emblem on the secondary market (for example, at a disassembly site), check the integrity of the mounting pins. In the originals they are metal and durable, in the fakes they are often plastic and easily break during installation.
Don't forget that modern emblems can be equipped LED backlight or sensors for driver assistance systems. In such cases, a fake will not only spoil the appearance, but can also disrupt the operation of the car’s electronic systems. Installing a non-original camera badge can lead to errors in the operation of parking sensors.
The quality of the emblem is an indicator of the overall condition of the car. If the badge is cloudy or peeled off, most likely the owner was careless with other parts of the body.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why do many cars have emblems with wings?
Wings are a universal symbol of speed, freedom and overcoming boundaries. At the beginning of the automobile era, cars were compared to airplanes, so manufacturers wanted to emphasize the manufacturability and dynamics of their creations. This is a tribute to aviation and the human desire to fly.
Is it possible to replace the emblem on the hood yourself?
Yes, in most cases this is a simple procedure. The old badge is carefully cut off with thread or heated with a hairdryer to soften the glue. The new one is installed on a degreased surface using a special automotive sealant or 3M double-sided tape. However, if the emblem is integrated with sensors, it is better to contact specialists.
Which brand is considered the most expensive among those that use fenders?
The undisputed leader is Bentley, especially their exclusive Mulliner series. They follow him Aston Martin, especially the One-77 or Valkyrie line models. These cars belong to the ultra-luxury segment and cost hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars.
Has the Chery logo changed in recent years?
Yes, Chery has rebranded. They moved away from the old logo, which resembled the letter "A" in a circle (often compared to a paw), in favor of a flatter, wider and more aggressive logo, which is also based on the shape of the letter "A", but looks more modern and technological, reminiscent of wings.
Are there any Russian cars with an emblem in the form of wings?
Modern Russian brands have no direct analogues with classic wings. However, if we consider history, then some Soviet prototypes or specialized equipment could have similar motifs. Modern brands like Lada use a stylized “rook” (which resembles a wing) or a checkerboard, but these are not classic wings in the Western sense.