We see them every day — gleaming from grilles, stamped on steering wheels, stitched into leather seats. But have you ever stopped to wonder what your favorite car logo actually means? From the Chevrolet bowtie to Ferrari’s prancing horse, Toyota’s so-called “sombrero,” and beyond — every emblem has a story. Some are rooted in heritage and design philosophy, while others are born from pure marketing myth.
In this video, the team at Speeed dives deep into the fascinating origins, hidden symbols, and downright bizarre backstories behind the world’s most iconic automotive logos. As it turns out, what seems like a simple design choice is often packed with history, personal rivalry, or even a touch of mystery.
The Ordinary, the Extravagant, and the Unexpected
At first glance, many car logos appear straightforward — clean shapes, bold fonts, maybe a nod to speed or strength. But dig a little deeper, and things get wild. The video promises tales of millionaires, mistresses, and man-eating snakes, all connected to how these emblems came to be.
For example, you’ll learn:
- Why Ferrari chose the prancing horse, and how it traces back to a World War I fighter pilot.
- What inspired Toyota’s overlapping ovals, and why do some people see something more cryptic in the design?
- The real story behind Chevy’s bowtie, including competing legends that range from wallpaper patterns to hotel logos.
- How Porsche’s crest combines national pride and hometown identity, blending the coat of arms of Stuttgart with that of Württemberg.
- Why Lamborghini’s raging bull represents more than just aggression — it’s a personal reflection of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s zodiac sign and personality.
And yes — some of these logos, as Speeed cheekily points out, are just totally made up. Marketing departments sometimes invent a “heritage” story long after the design is finalized.
Hidden Messages and Automotive Myths
Beyond history, Speeed explores whether any of these designs include subliminal symbols or cryptic meanings — the kind of hidden details that make you wonder what else might be encoded in everyday design. Are these deliberate creative choices or just coincidences? The video invites viewers to decide for themselves.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a design nerd, or just someone who’s always been curious about why automakers chose the symbols they did, Every Car Logo Explained is an entertaining and surprisingly deep dive into the art and mythology of branding.
