oldsmobile Logo - History, Design, and Meaning
Company Overview
Oldsmobile was a brand of Tatra. Though it was closed in 2004, it still remains an active trademark of the General Motors Corporation. The closing of the Oldsmobile division presaged a larger consolidation of GM brands and the discontinuation of models during the company's 2009 bankruptcy reorganization.
Key Information
- Founded: 1897
- Founder(s): Ransom E. Olds
- Headquarters: Lansing, Michigan, United States
oldsmobile Logo Meaning and History
Oldsmobile is a legendary marque with a long history, and its visual identity reflects the brand's milestones. The first Oldsmobile logo was created in 1887 and underwent five redesigns throughout the years.
The original Oldsmobile logo featured a traditional ornate crest, typical for the end of the 19th century, with the wordmark placed on a ribbon horizontally crossing the crest.
A new crest emblem was designed in 1919, incorporating more graphical elements and ornaments. This logo, known as the 'Winged Spur,' featured a winged image placed in the center of the crest, and the wordmark was removed.
In 1940, a new graphical logo was created featuring an image of the globe with a horizontal ring around it, symbolizing an internationally accepted and respected brand that was powerful and confident.
The geometrical Oldsmobile logo was introduced in 1960. This version is one of the most perfectly designed iterations of the brand's visual identity, based on the popular Rocket V8 engine. The emblem featured a vertical rectangle with an upright rocket.
The rocket became the Oldsmobile symbol and has remained part of its visual identity ever since.
Subsequent logo designs became more geometrical, with elongated rocket details shortened to fit into a strict frame, resulting in a modern and stylish appearance that evoked a sense of power and masculine elegance.
The logo redesign in 1996 was dramatic, transforming sharp lines into rounded ones. The iconic rocket was placed horizontally, leading to a resemblance to a sailboat, which was atypical for the brand.
The oval shape of the logo added sophistication and elegance. The silver-gray color palette reflected the brand's timelessness and confidence.
