An eagle emblem on the hood of a car always attracts attention - it is associated with power, freedom and prestige. But not everyone knows which brands use this symbol in their logo. If you see a car with an eagle on the hood on the road or are planning to buy such a car, it is important to figure it out: it could be an icon of a legendary American brand, a symbol of European luxury, or even the emblem of a little-known manufacturer.
In this article we will look in detail all car brandsthat use an eagle in the logo, their history, the most popular models and nuances that you should pay attention to when purchasing. You will also learn how to distinguish an original emblem from a fake and why some owners specifically install an eagle on the hood of their cars.
The symbolism of the eagle in the automotive industry has deep roots. This predator represents speed, strength and independence - qualities that manufacturers strive to associate with their cars. However, not all hood eagles are the same: each brand has its own design, history and philosophy. For example, Eagle (a division of Chrysler) and AMC used stylized eagles in the 80s and 90s, and Alfa Romeo - Milanese coat of arms with a red cross and a snake being devoured by an eagle. But there are also less obvious examples that only experienced car enthusiasts know about.
What car brands have an eagle on their emblem?
Let's start with the most obvious: the eagle on the hood is not always the same brand. There are at least 5 major car brands in the world that officially use this symbol in their logo or as a design element. Here is a complete list with a brief description of each:
- 🦅 Eagle (USA, 1988–1998) - division Chrysler, specializing in compact and sports cars. Logo: silver eagle in flight on a blue background.
- 🦅 AMC (American Motors Corporation) (USA, 1954–1988) - a legendary manufacturer whose eagle logo appeared on AMC Eagle - one of the first crossovers in the world.
- 🦅 Alfa Romeo (Italy, since 1910) - the emblem includes an eagle devouring a snake (symbol of the Visconti family), but is often simplified to a single eagle on the hoods of racing models.
- 🦅 Imperial (USA, 1955–1993) - luxury division Chrysler, where the eagle was part of the emblem in the 60-70s.
- 🦅 Zastava (Serbia, 1953–2008) - a Yugoslav brand that used an eagle in the logo on some models, e.g. Zastava 750.
In addition, the eagle can appear as decorative element on the hoods of tuned cars or retro models. For example, owners Mercedes-Benz or Rolls-Royce sometimes figurines of eagles are installed instead of standard emblems - this is a tribute to the traditions of the early 20th century, when such symbols were popular among aristocrats.
An important nuance: if you see an eagle on the hood of a modern car (produced after 2000), with a 90% probability it is either retro styling or tuning, and not the original brand emblem. Most brands with an eagle in their logo have either ceased to exist or have long since changed their design.
Eagle: American dream with eagle wings
Eagle is a short but vivid history of the American automobile industry. The brand was created in 1988 as a division Chrysler to compete with Japanese brands in the compact and sports car market. The logo - a silver eagle in flight on a blue shield - symbolized speed and innovation.
The most famous models Eagle:
- 🚗 Eagle Talon - a sports coupe developed jointly with Mitsubishi (analogue Mitsubishi Eclipse).
- 🚙 Eagle Summit - a compact sedan and hatchback built on a platform Mitsubishi Lancer.
- 🏜️ Eagle Vision - a business sedan that competed with Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Interesting fact: Eagle lasted only 10 years (1988–1998) and was closed due to low sales. Today, these cars have become rare, and the original eagle emblems are collector's items. If you meet Eagle Talon with the logo preserved, this may be a reason for bargaining when purchasing: such copies are valued higher on the secondary market.
⚠️ Attention: There are often fake emblems on the market Eaglemade from plastic instead of metal. The original badges weigh about 30–40 grams and are magnetic.
AMC Eagle: the first crossover with an eagle logo
AMC Eagle - it's not just a car, but the first serial crossover in the world, Released in 1979. Its logo - an eagle with outstretched wings - became a symbol of a revolutionary approach to cars: a combination of off-road capabilities and the comfort of a sedan.
Technical features AMC Eagle:
- 🔧 All-wheel drive
4WDwith the ability to turn off (mode2WDto save fuel). - 🛣️ Ground clearance
200 mm- a record for that time among production cars. - 🔥 Engines: from
2.5L I4(90 hp) up to4.2L I6(110 hp).
Today AMC Eagle is a cult car among collectors. Prices for well-preserved specimens start from $15,000 and can reach $50,000 for rare modifications (for example, Eagle SX/4 with open top). If you are planning a purchase, pay attention to:
- 🔍 Frame condition (corrosion is the main problem of the model).
- 🔧 Transfer case performance (repair costs
$1,500–$3,000). - 🎨 Presence of the original emblem with an eagle (often lost during restoration).
☑️ Check AMC Eagle before purchasing
Alfa Romeo: Italian eagle with history
Emblem Alfa Romeo - one of the most recognizable in the world: a red cross on a white background (symbol of Milan) and a snake being devoured by an eagle (coat of arms of the Visconti family). However, on some racing and retro models of the brand you can find a simplified version of the logo - only an eagle without a snake.
Models Alfa Romeo, where the eagle is placed on the hood:
- 🏁 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS (1930s) - a legendary racing car with a hand-forged body.
- 🚘 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ (1960s) - sports coupe with an aluminum body.
- 🔥 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007) - a modern supercar with a retro design.
If you see Alfa Romeo with an eagle on the hood, it could be:
- Original retro model (price from
€100,000). - A tuned copy (often owners install an eagle instead of the standard emblem).
- Fake (there are many replicas on the market Giulia TZ with makeshift logos).
⚠️ Attention: On modern Alfa Romeo (for example, Stelvio or Giulia) the eagle on the hood is not installed from the factory. If you see such a symbol, this is 100% modification by the owner.
Imperial and Zastava: rare eagles on the hoods
Imperial - luxury division Chrysler, which existed from 1955 to 1993. In the 60-70s on some models (for example, Imperial Crown) an emblem with an eagle was installed - a symbol of power and luxury. These cars were intended for businessmen and politicians, and today they have become a rarity.
Zastava is a Yugoslav brand, less known outside of Europe. His logo (an eagle with a hammer and sickle) adorned models like Zastava 750 - licensed copy Fiat 600. These cars were simple and reliable, but today their emblems are often lost during restoration.
Comparison of rare eagle stamps:
| Brand | Model | Years of production | Price today (USD) | Features of the emblem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | Imperial Crown | 1967–1973 | $20,000–$60,000 | Golden eagle on a black background |
| Zastava | Zastava 750 | 1955–1985 | $5,000–$15,000 | Eagle with hammer and sickle |
| AMC | AMC Eagle | 1979–1988 | $15,000–$50,000 | Silver eagle in a circle |
If you're looking for a rare model with an eagle on the hood, check the owner's club archives. For example, AMC Eagle Owners Association maintains a register of surviving copies.
How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake?
Eagle emblems are a popular target for counterfeiting, especially when it comes to rare stamps like Eagle or Imperial. Here 5 signs of the original:
- 🔍 Material: The original emblems were made of metal (aluminum or brass) with chrome plating. Counterfeits are usually plastic.
- 🧲 Magnet: the original is attracted by a magnet (metal base), the fake is not.
- 🎨 Paint: on the original emblems, the paint is applied using the screen printing method and is not erased by rubbing with alcohol.
- 🔧 Fastening: original badges are attached to rivets or threaded rods, fakes are attached to double-sided tape.
- 📜 Documents: If the seller claims that the emblem is original, ask for a certificate of authenticity (for a vintage car).
If you are buying a car with an eagle on the hood, be sure to check:
- Does the emblem match the model year (for example, Eagle could not stand on the car after 1998).
- Are there any signs of repainting or soldering on the back of the badge?
- Does the logo design match official photographs of the brand (look in catalogs Chrysler or AMC).
What to do if the emblem is lost?
If the original icon is lost, it can be restored through specialized services, for example, Emblem Mart (USA) or Retro Car Badges (Europe). The average cost of a high quality replica is $150–$300.
Why do some owners install an eagle on the hood?
An eagle on the hood does not always mean that the car was produced with such a logo. Many owners install this symbol deliberately, and here are the main reasons:
- 🏆 Retro style: The eagle is associated with classic cars from the 60s to 80s.
- 🦅 Symbolism of power: The bird of prey emphasizes the sporty character of the car.
- 🎭 Tuning: the emblem can be part of a comprehensive restyling (for example, on Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang).
- 💰 Investment: Some owners believe that a rare emblem will increase the resale value of the car.
Examples of popular models on which eagles are installed:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee - to emphasize off-road qualities.
- Chevrolet Camaro - as a tribute to the American auto industry.
- Mercedes-Benz W124 - for retro styling for the 80s.
Important: Installing a non-original emblem may raise questions when registering with the traffic police if the symbol resembles state symbols (for example, a double-headed eagle). In this case, a tuning certificate will be required.
If you install an eagle on the hood not as a brand logo, but as a decorative element, choose stylized images without state symbols to avoid problems with the law.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with an eagle on the hood
Can you buy an original Eagle or AMC emblem today?
Yes, but it's difficult. Original emblems are sold at auctions (for example, eBay or Bring a Trailer) or through owners' clubs. The price depends on the model: for example, badge AMC Eagle can be found for $200–$500, and rare emblems Imperial - up to $1,000. There are also companies involved in restoring retro emblems (for example, Classic Industries in the USA).
Which brand with an eagle on the emblem is the most expensive on the secondary market?
Unconditional leader - Alfa Romeo, especially models 8C Competizione (2007–2010) or Giulia TZ (1960s). Their prices start from €200,000 and can reach millions for unique pieces. Among American brands the most expensive is Imperial Crown 1960s - prices reach $60,000.
Is it possible to drive with an eagle on the hood in Russia without problems?
Yes, if it is not state symbols (for example, a double-headed eagle). Car brand emblems (Eagle, AMC, Alfa Romeo) are allowed. However, if you installed the eagle yourself and it looks like the coat of arms of the Russian Federation, the traffic police may have questions. In this case, you will need a tuning certificate or documents confirming that the symbol is not related to state symbols.
Which cars with an eagle on the hood are suitable for off-roading?
Of the original models, the best choice is AMC Eagle (the first crossover in the world) or Jeep Cherokee with a tuned emblem. Both cars have all-wheel drive and high ground clearance. It is also worth paying attention to retro models Land Rover Series with custom eagle badges - they are popular among off-road enthusiasts.
Where can I order a custom eagle emblem?
Here are the verified services:
- 🌍 Emblem Mart (USA) - specialize in retro emblems.
- 🌍 Badges & Emblems (Great Britain) - badges are made to order.
- 🌍 3D Emblem (Russia) - offer laser cutting of metal emblems.
The average cost of a custom hood eagle is - $100–$300, depending on the material (plastic, aluminum, brass).