
Created by Lucas Luís at Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Car Brands with Animal Logos
Throughout the history of the automotive industry, many brands have chosen animals to represent their values and personality. Whether it’s the strength of a lion, the speed of a horse, or the agility of a feline, logos featuring animals are a constant presence in the industry. But what motivated these choices? And what stories lie behind these symbols? Let’s find out.
Horses
The horse is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the automotive world. First, the legendary prancing black horse of Ferrari represents speed, elegance, and power. Its origin dates back to the Italian war hero Francesco Baracca, who had this symbol painted on his plane. After his death, Baracca’s parents suggested to Enzo Ferrari that he use the horse on his race car… and the rest is history.
Another notable example is the Porsche logo, which also features a prancing horse at the center of the crest. This animal is directly linked to the city of Stuttgart, where the brand was born. Stuttgart literally means "place where horses are bred".
Then there’s the Mustang, Ford’s iconic model, which uses a galloping horse to reinforce the idea of freedom and wild spirit.
Lions
The lion has been present in Peugeot’s logo since 1847, long before the brand started manufacturing automobiles. Originally, it symbolized the robustness of the saw blades produced by the company. Over time, the lion evolved to represent reliability, strength, and elegance — characteristics associated with Peugeot vehicles.
Chinese premium brand Roewe, part of SAIC Motor, also adopted the golden lion as a symbol of prestige and strength.
Bulls
Lamborghini is synonymous with aggressive and imposing sports cars, and its logo reflects that perfectly. The bull, shown in an attacking position, represents the strong personality of its models. Interestingly, Ferruccio Lamborghini was fascinated by bullfighting and his zodiac sign was Taurus, which directly influenced the choice of emblem.
Felines
Jaguar is one of the most elegant brands on the market, and its logo with a leaping jaguar conveys agility, performance, and class. The image of the feline in motion reflects the brand’s philosophy: to create powerful, fast, and visually striking cars.
In the past, British brand Panther Westwinds also used a panther as its symbol, linked to the exclusivity and bold design of its handmade cars.
Snakes
The snake appears prominently in two brands. The first is Alfa Romeo, whose logo includes the Biscione, a serpent devouring a man. This image has its roots in the heraldry of the Visconti family of Milan and is one of the most unique emblems in the industry.
The second is Shelby, a division of Ford responsible for models like the Cobra and the Mustang Shelby. Here, the snake represents extreme performance and a competitive spirit.
Birds
The automotive world also turns to birds to express lightness, speed, and freedom. Bentley displays open wings, symbolizing luxury and performance. Chrysler, in its more classic models, used an eagle as a symbol of power and prestige.
In some older Dacia emblems, references to the Romanian eagle could be found, reinforcing national identity.
More than a visual detail, animal logos serve as ambassadors of the brand’s identity. They convey sensations, values, and positioning that endure over time. By choosing figures from the animal kingdom, manufacturers are not just telling a story — they are reinforcing their brand philosophy and creating emotional connections with the public.