When it comes to cars with horse sign on the hood, most immediately imagine a red stallion on a yellow background - the legendary logo Ferrari. But in fact, this symbol is used by at least five well-known automakers, and each has its own history, philosophy and target audience. From super sports cars to mass-produced sedans, a horse emblem can speak as much about racing heritage as it does about marketing.
In this article we will not only list all brands with horse in the logo, but we will also reveal the key difference between their approaches: why Ferrari will never put an emblem on the hood of a production Granta, and the Ford Mustang uses a horse differently than Porsche. You will learn how to recognize the original emblem, which models with this symbol can be bought on the Russian secondary market, and why some “horse” cars are cheaper than their counterparts without such a sign.
1. Ferrari: why the horse looks left and not right
Legendary Cavallino Rampante (which translates from Italian as “rearing stallion”) appeared on cars Ferrari in 1923 - 7 years before the company was founded. The symbol was borrowed from the pilot Francesco Baracchi, whose mother advised Enzo Ferrari to use a horse as a mascot. But there is a nuance: the stallion looked at Baracca’s planes right, and Ferrari turned it around left - supposedly for better aerodynamics on racing cars.
Today, the emblem with a yellow background (the color of Modena, Ferrari’s hometown) and the Italian flag at the top adorns only the brand’s sports and hypercars. I wonder what Ferrari has never sold a license to its logo for mass-produced cars - unlike the same Porsche. Therefore, if you see a yellow stallion on a budget car, it is 100% fake or “tuning” from the owner.
- 🏁 Where it occurs: all models Ferrari (from 296 GTB up to SF90 Stradale), racing cars Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1.
- 🔍 How to distinguish the original: on factory emblems the horse always faces to the left, the background is matte yellow (not glossy), and the edges are edged with black.
- ⚠️ Pitfall: Ferraris with emblems re-glued are often sold on the secondary market (for example, on Fiat 124 Spider, which looks similar to Ferrari 124).
If you buy Ferrari from your hands, check the VIN code through the official service Ferrari Classiche — fake emblems are often accompanied by “interrupted” body numbers.
2. Porsche: the horse that hides in the coat of arms
Unlike Ferrari, where the horse is the main element, y Porsche it's hidden in coat of arms of Stuttgart (the city where the brand headquarters is located). The coat of arms appeared on cars in 1952, and since then the rearing stallion on the rear wheels has become the hallmark of the brand. Moreover, Porsche the horse is watching right - as on the original coat of arms of Stuttgart.
It's interesting that Porsche allows the use of its logo on merchandise (bags, watches, clothes), but strictly controls its placement on cars. For example, on Porsche Cayenne or Macan the emblem is always located in the center of the hood, and on 911 - left. This helps to quickly distinguish the original from the replica.
| Model Porsche | Emblem location | Logo Features |
|---|---|---|
| 911 (all generations) | Left edge of the hood | The stallion is clearly drawn, the coat of arms of Stuttgart with red and black stripes |
| Cayenne | Hood center | The logo is larger than on sports models |
| Taycan (electric car) | Center of the hood or on the rear door | Sometimes done in black and white (for versions Taycan Turbo S) |
⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market Porsche Boxster or Cayman with “updated” emblems - scammers glue a more recent one over the original logo to hide the real year of manufacture. Always check that the VIN and year on the logo match!
3. Ford Mustang: wild horse as a symbol of freedom
American Ford Mustang is the only car on this list where the horse is not part of the brand’s coat of arms or logo, but independent model symbol. The wild mustang (hence the name) in the emblem represents the freedom, power and spirit of 1960s America. First Mustang (1964) had a logo with a galloping horse in a red rectangle, but a year later the design was simplified to the silhouette that is familiar today.
Today's emblem Mustang - one of the most copied: it can be seen on tuned Ford Focus, Chevrolet Camaro and even on domestic ones Lada Vesta. It’s easy to distinguish the original: on factory cars the horse always runs left, and under it there are three stripes (symbolizing speed). Fakes often lack at least one of these elements.
- 🚗 Where it occurs: all generations Ford Mustang (1964–2026), including electric Mach-E.
- 🎨 Designer nuance: on Mustang Shelby GT500 the horse is made in black and gold, and on basic versions - in chrome.
- 💰 Price paradox: used Mustang 2010–2014 in Russia are often cheaper BMW 5-series the same year, despite the “horse” image.
4. Lamborghini: bull vs horse - why they were confused with Ferrari
Although the official logo Lamborghini - this is a bull, many mistakenly attribute the brand to “horse” brands. Blame it all racing history: in the 1960s Lamborghini sponsored the team Miura, on whose cars there was an emblem with white horse on a black background. This symbol was used only in motorsports and never appeared on production cars.
However, on the secondary market there are still Lamborghini Gallardo or Huracán with stickers of “horse” emblems - supposedly for a “sporty style”. This is a gross violation of the brand book: Lamborghini always associated with the bull (symbol of the founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, born under the sign of Taurus). If you are offered a “Lamborghini with a horse,” you are looking at either a fake or a car with unofficial tuning.
Why did Ferrari and Lamborghini become enemies?
Legend has it that Ferruccio Lamborghini, the owner of a tractor factory, came to Enzo Ferrari with a complaint about the clutch in his Ferrari 250 GT. Ferrari replied: “You are a tractor driver, you have no place behind the wheel of my cars.” In response, Lamborghini founded his own automaker - and made the bull a symbol of the brand to emphasize the confrontation.
5. Other brands with a horse: from Chinese clones to forgotten legends
In addition to giants like Ferrari or Porsche, the horse in the logo is also used by lesser-known brands. For example:
- 🏇 De Tomaso: Italian sports car manufacturer (1959–2019) had an emblem with white horse on a blue background. Today, cars of this brand are a rarity (price starts from 2 million rubles).
- 🐎 Qoros (China): brand created with the participation Chery, used a stylized horse in the logo (2007–2020). The cars were sold in Russia, but did not catch on.
- 🚘 Studebaker (USA): in the 1960s, some models featured an emblem with galloping horse, but today the brand does not exist.
They stand apart Chinese clones: for example, Geely Emgrand some years of production had stickers with a horse stylized as Ferrari. Such cars are often imported into Russia as a “budget alternative,” but their resale is fraught with problems with the traffic police (due to violation of trademark rights).
⚠️ Attention: If you see on the secondary market Geely, Chery or Lifan with a horse emblem - require documents confirming the legality of tuning. In 90% of cases, this is an unauthorized re-gluing, which can lead to refusal of registration.
6. How to check the authenticity of a horse emblem
Fake emblems are the scourge of the used “horse” car market. Here checklist for verification:
☑️ Checking the originality of the emblem
For Ferrari and Porsche A simple rule applies: the original emblem is never glued to double-sided tape. It is secured at the factory using special rivets or screws. If the seller refuses to remove the emblem for inspection, this is a reason to be wary.
Another way to check is glow under UV lamp. Original emblems Ferrari (since the 2000s) have security tags that glow green under ultraviolet light. U Porsche There are no such marks, but on the back of the logo there should be an engraving with the model code.
The most reliable way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy a car with a horse emblem only through official dealers or trusted auctions (for example, Copart with the car's history).
7. How much does a car with a horse cost: comparison of prices on the secondary market
Prices for used cars with a horse emblem vary from 500 thousand to tens of millions of rubles. Here are the current proposals for 2026 (according to Auto.ru and Avito):
| Model | Year of manufacture | Average price (Russia, 2026) | What to check when purchasing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang GT (5.0 V8) | 2018–2020 | 3.5–4.5 million RUB | Engine condition (oil problems), originality of the emblem |
| Porsche 911 Carrera (991 generation) | 2015–2017 | 6–8 million ₽ | Service history (oil change schedule every 20 thousand km) |
| Ferrari California T | 2014–2016 | 7–9 million ₽ | Availability of original keys (fake ones cost ~500 thousand rubles) |
| De Tomaso Pantera (rarity) | 1970–1974 | 15–25 million ₽ | Correspondence between body and engine numbers (frequent “rearrangements” of engines) |
Interesting fact: Ford Mustang 2015–2017 coupe models on the Russian secondary market are often cheaperthan those similar in power BMW M4 or Audi RS5. This is due to the less popularity of American cars among resellers, but not to their actual reliability.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Can you legally put a Ferrari emblem on your car?
No. Ferrari strictly protects its trademarks, and using the logo without permission may result in legal action. There were precedents in Russia when owners Lada Priora with sticker Ferrari obliged to remove the symbol under threat of a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles (Article 14.10 of the Administrative Code).
Why don't some Porsches have a hood emblem?
From 2020 Porsche offers the option Delete Badge — removal of all external logos for an additional fee (about 100 thousand rubles). This is popular among owners who value minimalism. Also, emblems may be missing on racing versions (for example, Porsche 911 RSR).
Which horse car is the most reliable for daily use?
According to service statistics CarVertical and Autocode, the leaders in reliability among “horse” cars are:
- Porsche Macan (2015–2020) - Fewer problems with electronics than Cayenne.
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost (2018–2023) - 2.3-liter turbo engine with a resource of 300+ thousand km.
- Ferrari Portaofino (2018–2026) - considered the most “civilian” model among Ferrari.
Worst choice for daily use - vintage De Tomaso or Ferrari before 2000: spare parts are expensive, and electronics are capricious.
Is it possible to insure a car with a non-original emblem?
Yes, but with reservations. Insurance companies (eg. Ingosstrakh or RESO) can:
- Refuse to pay in case of an accident if the emblem affected the cost of the car (for example, Lada “Ferrari-like” will be assessed as ordinary Lada).
- Request that the logo be removed before applying for CASCO insurance.
- Increase the cost of the policy by 10–15% due to “non-standard tuning”.
It is better to clarify the conditions with the insurance company in advance or return the car to its original condition.
Where in Russia can you officially buy a car with a horse?
Official dealers:
- Ferrari: Ferrari Moscow (Usacheva st., 33) and Ferrari St. Petersburg.
- Porsche: 18 dealership centers in Russia (list at porsche.ru).
- Ford Mustang: any official dealer Ford (for example, Ford Center Moscow on Warsaw highway).
For rare models (De Tomaso, old Porsche) contact brokers specializing in classic cars (for example, Oldtimer Gallery in Moscow).