An emblem with wings on a car: 7 brands that use it (and how not to confuse it)

The wings emblem on a car's hood is one of the most recognizable symbols in the auto industry. It is associated with luxury, speed and legendary brands whose history goes back decades. But which brands exactly use this mark, and what does it mean? If you see a car with a winged logo and want to understand... Bentley this or Mini Cooper, Aston Martin or Flying Spur - this article will help you figure it out.

Many people mistakenly think that wings are an exclusive privilege. premium British brands. In fact, this symbol is found in mass manufacturers and even in motorcycles. We analyzed 7 car brands with winged emblems, studied their history and collected unique visual differences, which will help you identify the car at first glance - without searching the Internet.

The wings on the car logo are not just a design move. They refer to mythology (Hermes and speed), aviation (airplanes and freedom) or even heraldry (symbol of victory). But the main thing is that such a sign immediately distinguishes the car on the road. If you are planning to buy a used car with such an emblem or just want to understand the brands, this information will be useful.

1. Bentley: B wings - a symbol of British luxury

Emblem Bentley — the most famous “winged” car among car enthusiasts. It dates back to 1919, when the company was founded by Walter Owen Bentley. The logo was originally a stylized letter "B" in the wings, which symbolized the speed and lightness of the brand's cars. Today this sign is associated with manual assembly, exclusive materials and engines W12 or V8.

Original emblem Bentley has several key features:

• 🔹 Wings straightened up (not to the sides like some other brands).
• 🔹 Letter "B" located in the center, and not displaced.
• 🔹 Color - silver or chrome, without colored inserts.
• 🔹 On modern models (for example, Bentayga or Flying Spur) the emblem may be highlighted LED lights.

Fun fact: in 1998, when Volkswagen Group bought the brand, the design of the emblem changed slightly - the wings became more voluminous, and the letter "B" made it a little bigger. If you see a car with a winged sign where the letter looks "flat" - it's either an old model (pre-2000s) or a fake.

⚠️ Attention: Replicas of emblems are often found on the market Bentley for tuning regular cars (for example, Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Superb). The original emblem is attached to special latches, not glue or bolts. If the sign is easy to remove by hand, it is 100% fake.

2. Aston Martin: wings as a tribute to aviation

Logo Aston Martin - another iconic symbol with wings, but its history is different from Bentley. The brand's founders, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, were passionate about aviation, so in 1927 they added spread wings to the company name. Today this emblem adorns models such as DB11, Vantage and supercar Valkyrie.

Distinctive features of the logo Aston Martin:

• 🚗 Wings wide open to the sides (in contrast to the "take-off" position at Bentley).
• 🚗 Inscription "ASTON MARTIN" located horizontal under the wings.
• 🚗 Color scheme - classic green and white (on some models - silver).
• 🚗 On sports versions (for example, DBX 707) the emblem may be black.

It is curious that in 2003 the brand temporarily abandoned the wings in the logo, leaving only the name. However, after a wave of criticism from fans, the brand returned the classic symbol. Today's emblem Aston Martin - one of the most protected from counterfeiting: it is made using laser engraving, which is difficult to reproduce in an artisanal way.

3. Mini Cooper: wings as a reference to the racing past

Small but legendary Mini Cooper also has the right to a winged emblem - however, not everyone knows where to look for it. The fact is that the main brand logo (a stylized word "MINI") does not contain wings. However, on some models, especially sports ones (for example, John Cooper Works), can be seen additional sign - wings with the UK flag.

This emblem appeared in the 2000s as a tribute to racing history Mini. In the 1960s Mini Cooper S dominated the rally, and the drivers called the car "flying"for its maneuverability. Today the winged sign is placed on:

• 🏁 Mini JCW (John Cooper Works) - sports versions.
• 🏁 Special series (for example, Mini GP).
• 🏁 Replicas of classic models (for example, Mini 60th Anniversary).

Distinguish original wings Mini simple: they always compact (no more than the palm of your hand) and are located on radiator grille or back door. Counterfeits are usually larger and are attached to the bumper - this is the first sign of a non-original part.

4. Flying Spur: A standalone Bentley model with a unique badge

Many people confuse Flying Spur with the usual Bentley, but this is a separate model (although it belongs to the same brand). Its name translates as "flying spur" is a reference to high-speed trains of the 1920s. Accordingly, the emblem here also has wings, but with nuances.

What is the difference between the sign Flying Spur from standard Bentley:

Sign	Bentley (standard)	Flying Spur
Wing shape	Straightened up	More elongated and narrow
Letter "B"	Large, in the center	Smaller, sometimes with additional lines
Color	Silver/chrome	Maybe black on some versions
Location	Hood, radiator grille	Also on back door (for long wheelbase versions)

I wonder what Flying Spur often confused with Continental GT - another model Bentley. The main difference: the Continental the emblem is always chrome, and Flying Spur may be matte black (especially in sports versions).

5. Other brands with fenders: from motorcycles to trucks

Wings on the emblem are not only found on premium cars. Here are 3 more brands where this symbol plays a key role:

• 🏍️ Brough Superior - legendary British motorcycle (1920–1940s). Its logo is wings with the inscription "Brough" - today it is on collectible bikes with prices ranging from $500 000.
• 🚛 Scania - Swedish truck manufacturer. On some models (for example, Scania R730) there is an emblem with wings, symbolizing delivery speed.
• ✈️ Stutz is an American brand from the 1920s that put winged badges on its luxury cars. Today these machines are a rarity (for example, Stutz Bearcat).

If you saw the winged emblem on unfamiliar car, please note:

1. Sign size: for trucks (e.g. Scania) it is larger than that of passenger cars.
2. Material: on motorcycles (such as Brough Superior) are often used brass, not chrome.
3. Additional elements: Stutz wings are combined with the image eagle.

Why have some brands abandoned wings?

During the 1980s and 1990s, many automakers simplified their logos for better recognition on smaller screens (such as in advertising). For example, Pontiac removed the wings from the emblem in 1990, leaving only the arrow. A Packard (another American brand with a winged sign) ceased to exist altogether in 1958.

6. How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake: 5 proven methods

Winged logos are a common target for scammers. Fake signs are placed on Volkswagen, Toyota and even Ladato give the car a “premium” look. Here's how to recognize the original:

Material: the original is made of metal (aluminum, brass) or high-quality plastic with chrome plating | Mounting: real emblems Bentley or Aston Martin are fixed with snaps rather than double-sided tape|Engraving: the original has micro-inscriptions (for example, the brand name or part code)|Weight: fakes are lighter due to cheap materials|Color: chrome on the original does not fade over time, unlike the fake coating-->

You need to be especially careful when purchasing used cars with winged emblems. For example, in the market there are often Volkswagen Passat with signs pasted Bentley — they are given away by the mismatch of chrome shade and sloppy edges. Another warning sign: if the emblem is attached to bolts - the original ones Aston Martin or Bentley there is no such thing.

⚠️ Attention: On AliExpress and other sites sell “tuning kits” that allow you to turn Toyota Camry in a "pseudo-Bentley". Such changes not only deceive buyers, but can also cause problems when registration at the traffic police (if the sign covers the VIN or registration number).

7. Legal nuances: is it possible to put up a winged emblem yourself?

In Russia and most countries of the world prohibited install logos of other brands on the car if this is misleading. For example, if you put a sign Bentley on Skoda Octavia, this can be regarded as:

• 📜 Deception of buyers (if the car is for sale).
• 📜 Trademark infringement (the brand may sue).
• 📜 Problems with insurance (if the sign covers important elements of the body).

However there are exceptions:

• ✅ If the emblem is installed inside the cabin (for example, on the steering wheel) and is not visible from the outside.
• ✅ If this parody (for example, the inscription “Bentley” is replaced by “Bentley-va” - but there may be complaints here too).
• ✅ If the sign is installed on collector car for restoration (with documentary evidence).

In 2023, there was a precedent in Russia: the owner Lada Vesta put an emblem on the hood Aston Martin and posted photos on social networks. The brand filed a complaint and the user's account was blocked for copyright infringement. Therefore, before tuning, you should consult with a lawyer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about winged emblems

🔍 Why don't some Bentleys have wings on their emblem?

On models Bentley Mulsanne (2010–2020) and some versions Continental GT the emblem can be simplified - without wings, only a letter "B" in the oval. This stems from a rebrand in the 2000s, when the brand experimented with minimalist designs. However, on most modern models the wings have been returned.

🚗 Is it possible to order an original Bentley or Aston Martin emblem?

Yes, but only through official dealers or certified workshops. For example, the logo for Bentley Bentayga costs about 15,000–20,000 rubles, and for Aston Martin DB11 - up to 25,000 rubles. When purchasing, check availability holograms and serial number on the package.

⚠️ What happens if you buy a car with a fake emblem?

If the fake is of poor quality (for example, it peels off or rusts), this is a reason for complaints to the seller according to Art. 475 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (“Defects of goods”). However, it is difficult to prove intent to cheat. Advice: before buying, check the car through services like Autocode or CarVertical — they show the history of changes in the exterior.

🎨 Is it possible to paint the emblem with wings a different color?

Technically yes, but it might void the warranty (if the car is new) or reduce resale value. For example, the black emblem on Bentley Flying Spur looks stylish, but official dealers do not recommend such a change - it is considered non-warranty interference.

📜 What other brands used wings in their logo, but then abandoned it?

Among them:

• 🚘 Pontiac (until 1990).
• 🚘 Packard (until 1958).
• 🚁 Hiller Aircraft (airline company, wings logo used 1940s–1960s).