How Car Hood Figures Appeared and Why They Disappeared

Since the inception of the automobile industry, manufacturers have sought to distinguish their cars, make them unique and easily recognizable. To do this, company logos were attached to different parts of the cars, and branded figures, which are correctly called mascots (Radiator mascot), were placed on the hood. But lately, these small metal figurines are almost never used. They can only be seen on some luxury cars. Why have most companies abandoned mascots?

Mascots were once not only decorative, but also had a practical purpose. In old cars, the radiator cap was located above the hood. To fill the car with water, the driver had to unscrew the cap. However, when the engine was running, it got very hot. Therefore, a comfortable and safe handle was needed to protect the hands.

Mascots were widespread in the early 20th century. It was during this period that the famous "Spirit of Ecstasy" from Rolls-Royce appeared. This figurine was the first in the history of the automobile industry. In 1911, Baron Montagu ordered it for his car. The author of the statuette, the original name of which was "Silver Ghost", was the sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes.

The figure of a woman in flowing clothes initially had nothing to do with the Rolls-Royce company and was just a whim of an aristocrat. But the car manufacturer liked this talisman so much that they asked the baron for permission to use it on other cars. The "Silver Ghost" received many names: "The Spirit of Ecstasy", "Silver Lady", "Emily", "Flying Lady" and even "Ellie in a Nightgown".

After that, other car manufacturers also started using mascots that not only decorated cars, but also protected the drivers' hands. This is how famous figures such as the Bugatti elephant, the Hispano-Suiza stork and the Jaguar jaguar appeared. Many still remember the deer that decorated the hoods of GAZ Volga cars. Interestingly, it appeared relatively late - in the 50s.

With the disappearance of external filler necks, which were moved under the hood, the need for practical use of mascots disappeared. But the figures still remained, becoming an important part of the image of car manufacturers. Some companies preferred minimalism, such as Mercedes with its laconic three-pointed star. Others, such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley, focused on the refined forms of their figures. And still others went further, offering customers the opportunity to create a custom mascot design, which was hand-made according to original sketches.

Sometimes mascots were created not only by car manufacturers, but also by companies producing individual car components. For example, equipment with Oleo Magneto spark plugs was decorated with a figurine in the form of a head, from whose nostrils steam began to come out when the engine overheated. And in 1912, The Boyce Motormeter Company went even further, patenting a mascot with a built-in thermometer that showed the temperature of water vapor.

The hood ornaments were stylish, beautiful and sometimes practical. But why did they decide to abandon them? The reason is simple - they were removed for the safety of pedestrians. In a collision even at low speed, when a person could get away with only bruises, the mascot often killed or caused serious injuries, like a spearhead.

Today, carmakers prefer flat and safe emblems. However, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes have not abandoned their iconic mascots, but have adapted them to improve safety. In modern Rolls-Royce cars, the "Spirit of Ecstasy" instantly disappears into a niche under the hood in the event of a collision. And in Mercedes, the three-pointed star folds back thanks to a special hinge.

Mascots remain a part of automobile history and evoke nostalgia among classic car lovers. What do you think of these graceful figures? Maybe you know which other car manufacturers still use mascots? Share your opinion in the comments!