Just how did a prancing horse become the logo of Ferrari?

Car badges are the simple and easy way of telling one brand of car apart from another, and over the years car manufacturers’ logos have become instantly recognizable global trademarks. But where, how and why were these logos conceived? Why did Ferrari chose a prancing horse and how did Mercedes-Benz arrive at their circled star design?

Car Badges: The Ultimate Guide to Automotive Logos Worldwide gives you the answers. This chunky gem examines and interprets over 125 car logos from around the world – including not only every logo currently in use, but also dozens of fascinating examples now found only on vintage and classic cars! An examination of the development of branding within the automotive industry after 120 years, Car Badges offers an engrossing study of graphic design, heraldry, corporate ambition and inspiring artistry.

Award-winning author and leading international authority on motor industry history and car culture Giles Chapman brings to life the individual story behind every logo. The informative and entertaining text is accompanied by a thousand pictures, illustrating the logos in detail as well as showing how they have been applied to overall car design, especially in defining the ‘face’ of modern automobiles. Easy to read and widely illustrated, Car Badges, published in a handy brick-shape, is perfect for the home and the glovebox. It also makes for a great gift book for anyone with an interest in cars and their history, graphics and the evolution of trademarks. Next time you are stuck in traffic (and aren’t you always!) get Car Badges out of the glovebox and discover the story behind the logo in front of you.

Comes in a chunky, brick-like format! £12.95, Flexibound, ISBN 1 85894 275 6, 15 x 22 cm, 320 pages 1000 colour illustrations