Have you ever seen a car with an emblem on the road? horse and wondered: what is the name of this car? This symbol is used by several legendary automakers, and each of them has put its own meaning into the logo. From sports Ferrari with their famous "horse" to the American Mustang, embodying the spirit of freedom - the horse emblem has become a symbol of speed, power and prestige.
In this article, we will figure out which car brands have a horse on the hood, how to distinguish them from each other, and what these logos mean. You will learn not only the names of brands, but also the history of their origin, interesting facts about the design of emblems, as well as How not to confuse a Ferrari with a Porsche or Ford Mustang with other models. If you are planning to buy a car with such a symbol or just want to understand the car, this information will be useful.
1. Ferrari is the most famous “horse” in the world of cars
When it comes to a car with a horse badge, the first thing that comes to mind is Ferrari. Italian brand uses image black stallion on a yellow background since 1923, when Enzo Ferrari founded the team Scuderia Ferrari. The logo has become a symbol of racing spirit and luxury, and today it is recognized throughout the world.
Interestingly, the prototype for the emblem was the coat of arms of an Italian pilot Francesco Baracca, who painted a horse on his plane during the First World War. Baracca's mother suggested that Enzo Ferrari use this symbol as a sign of respect for her son. Since then, the “horse” has become an integral part of the brand, and the yellow color (giallo Modena) refers to Ferrari's hometown - Modena.
- 🏎️ Ferrari 296 GTB — hybrid supercar with V6 and electric motor (830 hp)
- 💰 Ferrari SF90 Stradale — the brand’s first serial hybrid (1000 hp)
- 🏆 Ferrari 488 Pista — track version with record performance
Logo Ferrari are often counterfeited, so when buying a used car, pay attention to the details: the original emblem has relief structure, and the horse is looking to the left. On some models (for example, Ferrari Roma) the sign is made in a minimalist style, but retains key elements.
If you see a Ferrari with an emblem where the horse is facing to the right, it is either a fake or a special version for racing teams (for example, Ferrari Challenge).
2. Ford Mustang - American “wild horse”
If Ferrari associated with Italy, then Ford Mustang is a purely American symbol of freedom. Logo in the form galloping mustang appeared in 1964 along with the debut of the model. The logo design was developed by Phil Clark, which was inspired by the wild horses of the American prairies.
Unlike Ferrari, where the horse stands on a smoky background, Mustang he is depicted in dynamic movement, with his tail flying. The colors of the logo have changed over time: the first logos were silver, then red and blue versions appeared. Today the most common chrome sign on a black or red background.
| Model | Year of manufacture | Logo Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang (1st generation) | 1964–1973 | Silver mustang without frame, running horse style |
| Ford Mustang GT (5th generation) | 2010–2014 | Chrome badge with red stripes (reference to racing versions) |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 2021–present | Illuminated digital logo (for electric version) |
Fun fact: in the 1970s Ford released a limited edition Mustang with logo "cobra" (for models Shelby GT350/500). These cars are considered a rarity today and cost several times more than the regular versions.
3. Porsche - the horse that hides in the coat of arms
Many are surprised to learn that Porsche There is also a connection with the horse. The fact is that the brand logo includes the city’s coat of arms Stuttgart (where the company's headquarters are located), and this coat of arms depicts rearing stallion. Thus, Porsche indirectly associated with this symbol.
The emblem itself Porsche is a shield with the coat of arms of Stuttgart in the center, surrounded by deer antlers (symbol of the state of Württemberg) and red and black stripes (colors of the Baden-Württemberg region). The horse on the coat of arms is a tribute to the history of the city, which was founded on the site of a Roman stud farm.
- 🏁 Porsche 911 - a legendary rear-engined sports car
- ⚡ Porsche Taycan — electric sedan with acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.8 s
- 🏜️ Porsche Cayenne — crossover with logo on the hood and rear door
Unlike Ferrari or Mustang, where the horse is the central element, y Porsche it can only be noticed upon careful examination of the emblem. However, for fans of the brand this symbol is of great importance, especially in racing series, where Porsche 911 RSR dominates the tracks.
Why doesn't Porsche have a separate horse logo?
Initially, the company wanted to create a completely unique sign, but Enzo Ferrari had already patented the image of the horse. To avoid conflict, Ferdinand Porsche decided to use the coat of arms of Stuttgart, where the horse was part of the historical symbol.
4. Other brands with a horse in the logo: rare and forgotten
Besides Ferrari, Mustang and Porsche, there are also lesser-known brands that used the image of a horse in their emblems. For example:
- 🐎 Pegaso (Spain, 1940–1950s) - luxury cars with a logo in the form winged horse Pegasus. The brand did not last long, but its models are treasured by collectors today.
- 🏇 Hispano-Suiza (Spain/France, 1904–1946) - luxury cars with emblem flying stallion. The company also produced aircraft engines, which explains the winged design.
- 🚗 Studebaker (USA, 1950s) - some models had an optional emblem with the image galloping horse, but it did not become a trademark of the brand.
These brands are extremely rare today, but their logos with a horse remain an interesting fact in the history of the automobile industry. If you see a car at auction with an unfamiliar horse emblem, chances are it's a rare model from one of these brands.
Ferrari, Mustang and Porsche are three of the most famous brands with a horse in their logo, but the history of the auto industry knows other examples. If the emblem is unfamiliar, check the year of manufacture of the car: it may be a collector's item.
5. How to distinguish a Ferrari from a Mustang and a Porsche: practical advice
On the road, it’s easy to confuse cars with a horse emblem, especially if you don’t understand brands. Here are a few visual cuesthat will help define the brand:
- Emblem shape:
- Ferrari: yellow shield with black horse and letters
S F(Scuderia Ferrari). - Mustang: Oval or rectangular badge with a silver/chrome mustang.
- Porsche: Stuttgart coat of arms in the center of the shield with deer antlers on the sides.
- Ferrari: yellow shield with black horse and letters
- Ferrari: usually on the hood, sometimes on the wheel covers.
- Mustang: on the radiator grille and rear part (with lighting on modern models).
- Porsche: on the hood and in the center of the steering wheel, often with a 3D effect.
Another way is to pay attention to car design:
- Ferrari usually have low ground clearance, aggressive air intakes and a characteristic “nose” with rounded headlights.
- Mustang They are distinguished by a massive front end, a long hood and “muscular” fenders.
- Porsche (especially 911) is recognizable by its round headlights and “bubble” rear optics.
Look at the background color (yellow = Ferrari)
Evaluate image dynamics (gallop = Mustang)
Check for the presence of a coat of arms (coat of arms = Porsche)
Pay attention to the inscriptions (SF = Ferrari, no text = Mustang)-->
6. Interesting facts about cars with a horse emblem
The Ferrari emblem is the only one in the world that can be worn on clothing as a sign of status: the brand officially sells T-shirts, caps and even watches with the “horse” logo. At the same time, the company strictly controls the use of the symbol: for example, in the 1990s Ferrari filed a lawsuit against a toy manufacturer for unauthorized use of the logo on car models.
Here are some little-known facts about other brands:
- First Ford Mustang sold with an optional emblem golden horse — it was installed for an additional fee ($16 in 1964).
- Logo Porsche was developed by Ferdinand Porsche himself, and he insisted that the horse on the coat of arms of Stuttgart face to the left (like Ferrari), but the city authorities insisted on the traditional option (to the right).
- In 2010 Ferrari released a limited edition 599 SA Aperta with a unique emblem, where the horse was made in red color — it was a tribute to the 80th anniversary Scuderia Ferrari.
If you ever find yourself in Maranello (Italy), be sure to visit the museum Ferrari, where you can see the evolution of the logo since 1923. And in Detroit (USA) in the museum Ford the original sketch of the emblem is stored Mustanghandmade Phil Clark.
7. Where to buy a car with a horse emblem: tips for buyers
Cars with a horse logo belong to the premium or sports segment, so purchasing them requires a special approach. Here's what to consider:
- 💸 Ferrari: new models cost from 200 000 €, but even used copies rarely fall below 100 000 €. Pay attention to the service history - engines Ferrari require regular maintenance (every 10–15 thousand km).
- 🇺🇸 Ford Mustang: prices start from 30 000 € for new models and 15 000 € for used ones (2015–2018). The main risk is body corrosion (especially for copies from the USA).
- 🔧 Porsche: 911 and Cayman in good condition cost from 50 000 €. Check the condition of the box
PDK- its repair costs 10 000–15 000 €.
When buying a used car, be sure to:
- Order check via CarVertical or Autocheck (for Ferrari and Porsche this is critical due to the risk of “over-twisting” the mileage).
- Make sure that the emblem is original - fakes often give themselves away by sloppy painting or lack of relief.
- Check the documents for compliance with the VIN code (for Mustang it is usually located on the windshield and door frame).
If you are buying a Ferrari or Porsche, ask the seller for a service book with the marks of an official dealer. Without it, the cost of the car on the secondary market drops by 20–30%.
⚠️ Attention: “Replicas” are often found on the market Ferrari based on Toyota MR2 or Pontiac Fiero. They are identified by inconsistency in dimensions, poor quality finishing and lack of original parts (for example, a steering wheel with a logo).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ferrari's horse point to the left, but Porsche's to the right?
This is related to the history of coats of arms. Enzo Ferrari chose the direction of his horse's gaze in honor of the pilot Francesco Baracca, whose plane had a similar emblem. And the coat of arms of Stuttgart (which is used in the logo Porsche) traditionally depicts a horse looking to the right - this is a rule of heraldry, symbolizing forward movement.
Can you legally put a Ferrari emblem on your car?
No, this violates copyright. Ferrari actively pursues such cases in court. However, you can buy original accessories (for example, stickers or badges) in brand stores.
Which car with a horse in its logo is the cheapest?
The most affordable option is Ford Mustang EcoBoost (from 30 000 € in a new configuration). Used examples from 2015–2017 can be found for 15 000–20 000 €. Porsche and Ferrari even on the secondary market they are much more expensive.
Are there electric cars with a horse emblem?
Yes:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E — all-electric crossover (power reserve up to 500 km).
- Porsche Taycan - an electric sedan with acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds.
Ferrari has not yet released a production electric car, but announced the debut of a hybrid model SF90 and a fully electric supercar by 2026.
What to do if the emblem falls off on your car?
Do not try to glue it yourself - this may damage the paintwork. Contact an official service center or a specialized auto repair shop. Restoration cost:
- Ferrari: 500–1,500 € (depending on model).
- Mustang: 100–300 € (original illuminated emblem).
- Porsche: 200–800 € (including 3D emblem on the hood).