The wings emblem on a car's hood is one of the most recognizable symbols in the auto industry. It is associated with speed, freedom and aviation traditions, which many brands have tried to attach to their cars. But what exactly makes and models are hidden behind this badge? If you saw a car with wings on the hood on the road and want to find out what kind of car it is, this article will help you figure it out.
The wings on the hood can be either part of the manufacturer's logo or a design element for a specific model or special edition. For example, some vintage cars had wings as a tribute to aviation, and modern models sometimes use this symbol to emphasize their sporty character. But not all wings are the same: their shape, number of feathers, arrangement and even color can indicate a specific brand or era.
In order not to confuse the emblems, it is important to understand that the wings on the hood are not always the brand logo. Sometimes this is a decorative element added by the owner or tuning studio. However, in most cases, the wings signal that they belong to one of the legendary brands, which we will talk about later.
1. Bentley: "B" wings - a symbol of luxury and status
The most famous emblem with wings belongs to the British brand Bentley. Wings logo with letter "B" in the center appeared in 1920 and since then has become a symbol of luxury, power and aristocracy. The wings were originally added as a tribute to aviation - in those years, airplanes were considered the pinnacle of technological progress, and Bentley positioned as a car for pilots and speed enthusiasts.
On modern models Bentley - such as Continental GT, Flying Spur or Bentayga — the emblem with wings is located not only on the hood, but also on the wheel caps, steering wheel and even in the door lights. At the same time, the logo design has evolved: if in the 1920s the wings were more angular, today they look smooth and dynamic.
I wonder what Bentley not the only brand in the group Volkswagen AGwho uses wings. For example, Bugatti (also owned by the concern) has a logo with a red oval and the inscription "EB" (Ettore Bugatti), but without wings. However, in some special series Bugatti You can find decorative elements reminiscent of aviation.
How to distinguish: at Bentley the wings are always stylized as feathers, and in the center there is a large letter "B". On retro models (for example, Bentley R Type 1950s) the emblem can be chrome-plated and convex, while on modern ones it can be flat and backlit.
2. Rolls-Royce: "Spirit of Ecstasy" and Hidden Wings
Although the main symbol Rolls-Royce - this is the famous figurine "Spirit of Ecstasy" (Spirit of Ecstasy), the brand logo also contains wings. They are depicted as two letters "R", intertwined so that they resemble spread wings. This logo can be seen on the radiator grille, wheel caps and sometimes on the hood.
Unlike Bentley, where wings are an independent element, Rolls-Royce they are integrated into the monogram. However, in some special series (for example, Rolls-Royce Sweptail 2017), designers added decorative wings to the hood as a nod to retro style. Wings may also be present on the emblems of dealership centers or in interior design.
It is important not to confuse the logo Rolls-Royce with wings from Bentley:
- 🔹 Bentley: wings with letter "B" in the center, often backlit.
- 🔹 Rolls-Royce: intertwined "RR", reminiscent of wings, without an obvious image of feathers.
Unique fact: on some retro models Rolls-Royce (for example, Silver Ghost 1920s) hood fenders were hand painted as part of a custom order.
3. Vintage cars with wings: from Packard to Stutz
In the first half of the 20th century, many American and European brands used wings in the design of their cars. This was due to the fashion for aviation and the desire to emphasize the speed of the machines. Some of these brands have long disappeared, but their cars can still be found at retro exhibitions or in collections.
Among the most famous:
- 🚗 Packard (USA, 1920s–1950s): Hood fenders were part of the chrome trim, especially on models Packard Twelve.
- ✈️ Stutz (USA, 1910–1930s): emblem with an eagle and wings, symbolizing power and freedom.
- 🏆 Duesenberg (USA, 1920–1930s): wings on the radiator grille of models Duesenberg Model J.
- 🎩 Hisso (France, 1910–1920s): A rare brand whose cars had wings as a tribute to aviation (the company also produced aircraft engines).
If you see a vintage car on the road with wings on the hood, it's most likely one of these brands. You can distinguish them by:
⚠️ Attention: On fake or replica vintage cars, the fenders are often simplified or made of plastic. Original emblems are usually metal, with engraving and patina.
4. Modern cars with wings: tuning and special series
In the 21st century, wings on the hood are less common, but some brands and tuning studios continue to use this symbol. Most often this is:
- 🏎️ Sports versions Bentley (for example, Bentley Continental GT Speed with additional decorative elements).
- 🔧 Tuned cars from Mansory or Brabus, where wings are added as part of the aggressive design.
- 🎨 Art projects, for example, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail (2021), where the wings are stylized with a nautical theme.
Wings may also appear on concept cars. For example, Bugatti La Voiture Noire (2019) features subtle wings in the front design, referencing aviation. However, on production models Bugatti this element is not used.
How to check authenticity: if the fenders on the hood look unoriginal (for example, a sticker or a plastic element), most likely this is the work of a tuning studio. Original emblems Bentley or Rolls-Royce always have a certificate of authenticity and serial number.
Check the material (metal vs plastic)
Look for engraving or serial number
Compare with official photos of the model
Pay attention to the fastening (the original is fastened with rivets, not with double-sided tape) -->
5. Wings on the hood: what do their number and shape mean?
Not all fenders are the same - their design can tell a lot about the make and era of a car. Here are the main differences:
| Wing type | Brand/era | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Two symmetrical wings with a letter in the center | Bentley (since 1920s) | A symbol of speed and connection with aviation. The letter "B" is the brand. |
| Interlocking letters "RR" | Rolls-Royce (since 1906) | Brand monogram, stylized as wings. |
| Wings with an eagle or other animals | Stutz, Packard (1920–1930s) | A symbol of power and freedom, popular in retro design. |
| Minimalistic wings without details | Modern tuning (2000s - present) | A decorative element, often without reference to a brand. |
If the wings on the hood have more than three feathers, most likely, this is a retro model (for example, Packard or Duesenberg). Modern emblems (Bentley, Rolls-Royce) is usually more concise.
⚠️ Attention: On some Chinese classic car replicas, the fenders may be reversed or have incorrect proportions. Always check the brand's official catalogues.
6. Where else can you find wings on a car?
The fenders on the hood are not the only place where this symbol appears. It can also be:
- 🚪 On doors (for example, engraving on Rolls-Royce Phantom).
- 🔑 On the ignition keys (emblem Bentley on the keychain).
- 💺 In the interior (embroidered on headrests or panels).
- 🎨 On special episodes (for example, Bentley Mulliner with hand painting).
In some cases the wings may be hidden. For example, on Rolls-Royce Cullinan monogram emblem "RR" hidden under a cover on the radiator grille and appears only when you press a button.
If you are buying used Bentley or Rolls-Royce, check for the original fender emblems on all standard places (hood, hubcaps, steering wheel). Their absence may indicate an accident or non-original parts.
7. How to recognize a car model by the wings on the hood?
If you see a car with wings and want to determine its make and model, follow this algorithm:
- Wing shape:
- 🔹 With the letter "B" → Bentley.
- 🔹 Intertwined "RR" → Rolls-Royce.
- 🔹 With an eagle or other symbols → retro brand (Stutz, Packard).
For accurate identification, you can use services like Google Lens (take a photo of the emblem) or a database of vintage cars Conceptcarz.com.
How to check the authenticity of a vintage car with wings?
1. Request vehicle history (VIN).
2. Check that the emblem matches the year of manufacture (the design of the wings has changed).
3. Pay attention to the fastening: the original emblems are attached with rivets, not with glue.
4. Check brand catalogs (e.g. Bentley Heritage or Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club).
If the fenders on the hood are combined with other aviation elements (such as a propeller on the radiator), it is almost certainly a retro model from the 1920s to 1940s.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with wings on the hood
❓ What is the most expensive car with wings on the hood?
The most expensive production car with wings - Rolls-Royce Boat Tail (2021, ~$28 million). Among retro models, the record holder is Duesenberg SJ (1930s), which reaches $10–15 million at auctions.
❓ Is it possible to buy the original emblem with wings separately?
Yes, but only from official dealers Bentley or Rolls-Royce. The cost of a new emblem for Bentley Continental GT - about $500–$800. You can find retro emblems on the secondary market (eBay, specialized forums), but the risk of running into a fake is high.
❓ Why don't some Bentleys have wings on the hood?
On basic models (for example, Bentley Flying Spur in the minimum configuration) the emblem can be simplified - without backlighting or with fewer chrome parts. Also, owners sometimes remove emblems for “stealth” design.
❓ Are there electric cars with wings on the hood?
There are no production models yet, but Bentley announced an electric crossover (2026–2026) that will likely retain its signature wings. Concept Rolls-Royce 103EX (2016) also had stylized wings in the design.
❓ How to care for chrome fenders on the hood?
Use a soft cloth and special chrome cleaner (e.g. Meguiar’s Chrome Polish). Avoid abrasive sponges and acidic detergents. For protection, you can apply a thin layer of wax.