Where do the wings on car emblems come from?
Have you ever caught your eye on a car with wings on it passing by? This symbol immediately attracts attention - it is associated with speed, freedom and flight. But not everyone knows what kind of brand is hidden under such a logo. In fact, winged emblems are used by several automobile brands at once, and each of them has put its own meaning into this symbol.
Wings on a car are not just a design decision. They refer to mythology (for example, to the god Mercury - the patron saint of travelers), aviation (a symbol of speed) or even to heraldry (coats of arms with eagles and wings personified power). Today, such emblems can be seen on cars of different classes - from budget sedans to luxury sports cars. But how can you determine which brand is hidden behind the winged sign?
Bentley: B wings are a symbol of luxury
The most famous car with wings on the emblem is Bentley. The British premium brand uses a logo with outstretched wings and the letter B in the center. This logo dates back to 1919, when the company was founded by Walter Owen Bentley. The wings symbolize speed and lightness, and the letter itself is stylized as the founder’s monogram.
Interestingly, Bentley has two versions of the logo:
- 🏎️ Classic emblem - wings with a letter B, used on most models.
- 👑 "Flying B" - a more dynamic version, where the wings seem to soar upward (installed on sports models, for example, Bentley Continental GT).
If you see a car with such an emblem, in front of you, most likely, is a car worth several million rubles. Bentley is not just a vehicle, but a status accessory that speaks of the owner’s success.
⚠️ Attention: There are often fake Bentley emblems on the market, especially on Chinese replica cars. The original sign has clear edges, depth of relief and a metallic sheen - plastic copies look cheap.
Mini: wings and British flag - compact with character
Another well-known brand with wings on the emblem is Mini.British Motor Corporation (BMC). The logo features stylized wings with the UK flag in the center. The brand is associated with compact but stylish city cars that became iconic back in the 1960s.
Modern models Mini Cooper retain this sign, although the design of the emblem has evolved slightly. The wings here symbolize maneuverability and ease of control - precisely those qualities for which this brand is loved. If you see a small hatchback with round headlights and a winged badge, it's probably a Mini.
Distinctive features of the Mini emblem:
- 🇬🇧 UK flag in the center (sometimes stylized).
- 🔄 The wings are pointing upward, as if the car is ready to take off.
- 🎨 The color scheme often includes black, silver or red.
If the Mini emblem looks too large or is installed crookedly, this may be a sign that the car has been in an accident and the signs were replaced in a makeshift manner.
Aston Martin: wings and the name of the founder - British elegance
The third famous brand with wings is Aston Martin. Its emblem consists of wings with the inscription Aston Martin in the center. The history of the logo began in 1927, when the company decided to update its image. The wings here represent speed and freedom, and the brand itself is associated with luxury sports cars that often appear in James Bond films.
Aston Martin can be distinguished by several details:
- 🦅 The wings are more elongated and strict than Bentley's.
- 📜 Caption Aston Martin written in a serif font.
- 🎭 Often the emblem is supplemented with a nameplate with the name of the model (for example, DB11 or Vantage).
Cars of this brand are less common than Bentley or Mini, but they cannot be confused with others. Aston Martin is a combination of British elegance and racing spirit.
| Brand | Features of the emblem | Typical models | Price segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley | Wings + letter "B", embossed metal | Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga | From 10 million ₽ |
| Mini | Wings + UK flag, round sign | Cooper, Countryman, Clubman | From 2.5 million ₽ |
| Aston Martin | Wings + "Aston Martin" lettering, extended fenders | DB11, Vantage, DBS | From 8 million ₽ |
| Bugatti | Red enamel, letter "B" in an oval, wings on the sides | Chiron, Veyron | From 20 million ₽ |
Bugatti: red wings are a symbol of speed records
If you saw a car with red wings and the letter "B" in an oval, in front of you is the legendary Bugatti. The French brand, now owned by the Volkswagen group, is famous for its hypercars that break speed records. The Bugatti emblem was created in 1909 and has remained virtually unchanged since then.
The wings here represent the desire to overcome boundaries, and the red color represents passion and power.Bugatti Veyron. Cars of this brand are among the most expensive and fastest in the world. For example, Bugatti Chiron accelerates to 420 km/h!
How to distinguish the original Bugatti emblem:
- 🔴 The wings and oval are made in red (sometimes with black accents).
- 💎 The sign is made of enamel and metal and has a three-dimensional structure.
- 🚗 Installed only on hypercars (not available on mass models).
⚠️ Attention: On the used car market you sometimes find “Bugattis” assembled from spare parts. Original cars always have a unique VIN code, which can be verified through an authorized dealer.
How to spot a fake: 5 signs of a non-original emblem
Unfortunately, winged emblems are often counterfeited, especially on Chinese replicas or after body repairs. Here's how to spot a fake:
☑️ Signs of a fake wings emblem
If you doubt the authenticity of the emblem, check it by touch: original Bentley or Bugatti signs have weight and a cold metal surface. Also pay attention to the fastening - factory emblems are installed with rivets or special holders, and not with glue.
Another way to check is to illuminate the emblem at an angle. Original signs have clear edges and a uniform coating, while fakes are often revealed by uneven coloring or casting marks.
What to do if the emblem falls off?
If the original sign has fallen off, do not attempt to glue it back on as this may damage the paintwork. Contact the official service: they have special fasteners and glue that do not damage the body. Do-it-yourself repairs may result in corrosion or peeling paint.
Other brands with wings: rare and forgotten brands
In addition to well-known brands, less popular brands also used winged emblems. For example:
- 🏗️ Stutz - American brand of the 1920s, emblem with an eagle and wings.
- 🚜 Bristol - a British brand whose logo resembled wings with a propeller (a reference to aviation).
- 🔧 Facel Vega - French manufacturer of luxury cars (1950–1960s), emblem with winged symbol.
These brands no longer produce cars, but their cars can still be found at auctions or in collections. If you see an unfamiliar emblem with wings, try taking a photo of it and using services like Google Lens or classic car forums (for example, drive2.ru).
Sometimes wings are also found on motorcycle emblems (for example, BSA or Norton), but that's another story.
Where are winged emblems usually located on a car?
If you are trying to identify a brand by its logo, pay attention to its location. Different brands have their own traditions:
- 🚗 Bentley: a sign on the radiator grille (center), sometimes on wheel caps.
- 🚘 Mini: emblem on the grille and rear door (models from 2010).
- 🏎️ Aston Martin: a sign on the hood (front) and sometimes on the steering wheel.
- 🚀 Bugatti: emblem on the radiator grille (very large, conspicuous).
Also, some brands duplicate the logo on:
- Steering wheel (for example, Bentley Flying Spur).
- Wheel caps (typical for Mini John Cooper Works).
- Rear part of the body (at Aston Martin DB11 there is a sign at the back).
If the emblem is located asymmetrically or crookedly, this is a sure sign that the car has been in an accident and the body has been restored.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about winged emblems
Is it possible to buy the original emblem separately?
Yes, original emblems are sold at official dealers or in specialized stores (for example, bentleymotors.com or mini.ru). The cost varies from 5,000 ₽ (Mini) to 50,000 ₽ (Bugatti). Be careful when shopping at markets - they often sell fakes.
Why don't some Bentleys have wings on their emblem?
On the earliest Bentley models (1920s–1930s), the emblem was a simple "B" with no wings. Wings appeared later, in the 1930s, as a tribute to the aviation fashion of the time. Today, all new models are equipped with a winged logo.
What does the inscription "W.O." mean? on the Bentley emblem?
Letters "W.O." stand for Walter Owen — the name of the company founder. This inscription is found on classic models (for example, Bentley 4½ Litre) and some modern limited editions.
Is it possible to drive without an emblem if it has fallen off?
From the point of view of the law, the absence of an emblem is not a violation (unlike the absence of numbers or headlights). However, this can reduce the car's resale value as buyers perceive it as a sign of neglect.
What is the most expensive car with a winged emblem?
Today it is Bugatti La Voiture Noire (2019) - a unique hypercar with a price tag of $11 million. Its emblem is made of black enamel and platinum.