Across the globe, the Bentley logo is an iconic sign. For many car lovers, or those who are a fan of beautiful art and powerful design, the Bentley emblem is more than just a badge on the front of the car, it is a symbol of luxury and prestige. The question is, where did the logo and identity come from and what is the meaning behind it?
The Bentley brand logo
The official Bentley logo features a set of silver wings that resembles a badge for an aircraft pilot. With a large ‘B’ letter emblazoned in the center, the Bentley brand is definitely noticeable. With the wings on the logo a symbol of the ‘celestial’, Bentley transcends the usual car branding. Instead, Bentley used its history of helping to create aircraft engines for World War 1, to inspire the wings on their now iconic car logo. When the company was first started, the use of the winged emblem would vary in the number of feathers features. Vintage cars have 14 feathers on the right and 13 on the left, whilst derby cars have 11 on the right and 10 on the left. Now, Bentley cars usually feature 10 feathers on each side of its wings, apart from its racing cars that commonly have asymmetrical wings as it is considered good luck.
The consistency of the Bentley logo
Part of what makes the Bentley logo so special is that it has endured over the years and has retained its iconic status. With the first version of the car symbol created in 1919, it has remained consistent ever since. The only feature to change in the Bentley emblem is the number of feathers around the wings. However, the intricacies of the logo allow it to be differentiated from other car brands, and stands as a true testament to the artistic nature and creativity of the company.
What does the Bentley logo truly mean?
The Bentley logo is emblematic of artistic expression, creativity and freedom. The wings on the Bentley connect the drivers mind to speed and euphoria and acts as an ode to the company’s previous occupation in aircraft development. The Bentley emblem is a celebration of speed, heritage, and the freedom of the open road, but it’s also an insight into the unique personality of the brand. The decision to change the number of feathers on the wings of the emblem for different cars is an interesting quirk, and one we wouldn’t normally see from the majority of vehicle manufacturers.
The Bentley logo today
Although the Bentley logo may seem like another interesting car logo, the symbol holds a lot of heritage and history. The Bentley logo is a testament to the history of the brand and the origins of the vehicle manufacturer. The unique elements of the logo, such as the decision to use a variety of feathers for different cars is an insight into the interesting and intriguing personality of the Bentley brand. This couple with their intense focus on perfecting both the interior and exterior of the car, has helped to create a beautiful brand that epitomises luxury and power, all in one.
