The Meaning Behind the Porsche Logo

September 24th, 2018 by
Updated 11/17/2023

Porsche logo on white background

 

High-performing engines and luxurious features aren’t the only qualities all Porsche models have in common; each vehicle also sports the famous Porsche logo and name that’s instantly recognizable on the Hayward roads. Whether you’re driving a new Porsche or a legendary classic model, your Porsche will turn heads around San Jose.

The iconic Porsche symbol is classic and, for the most part, has remained the same for the last 60 years. But what is the Porsche logo exactly? Learn more about the Porsche logo meaning, the Porsche logo animal, and other details of the Porsche logo below with our team at Porsche Fremont. Here’s what we’ll go over:

  • What is the Porsche logo?

  • What is the history of the Porsche logo?

  • What is the Porsche logo animal?

  • What is the Porsche vs. Ferrari logo comparison?

 

 


Porsche Logo Creation – Where Did It Start?

Before we go over the Porsche vs. Ferrari logo comparison, we want to touch on the creation of the Porsche logo. With that being said, the creation of the logo isn’t exactly clear but there are some ideas on where it began:

  • U.S. Porsche Logo Belief: Americans believe that Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferry, drew the logo on a napkin during a meal with Max Hoffman, the American Porsche distributor.

  • German Porsche Logo Belief: Germans, on the other hand, claim that the crest was designed by Franz Xaver Reimpiess, an engineer. No matter the origins, the iconic Porsche symbol was introduced to the U.S. market in 1952 and has become an easily recognized symbol of luxury and power in the automotive space.

Porsche Logo History – What is the Porsche Logo?

The Porsche logo was based on the Free People’s State of Württemberg’s coat of arms, which is why it comes in the shape of a crest — to align with the traditions of Württemberg-Baden. When you’re driving a Porsche in Milpitas, you’ll find that your Porsche likely has a tie to Porsche’s headquarters located in Stuttgart.

Stuttgart was the capital of Württemberg, which as we mentioned has ties to the Porsche logo crest. In 1952, after West Germany was formed, Württemberg-Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern combined into the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. Württemberg’s old coat of arms is Porsche’s logo and a part of Germany’s history.

Porsche Logo Design – What is the Porsche Logo Animal?

If you compare the Porsche vs. Ferrari logo, you’ll notice that both feature a horse. However, that’s where the similarities end. As mentioned above, the Porsche logo pays homage to Stuttgart, where Porsche’s headquarters are located. Stuttgart is located in southwest Germany and was actually built atop a horse-breeding farm. Stuttgart used horses in its city seal, inspiring Porsche to make a black horse the centerpiece of its logo, which represents power and the seal of Stuttgart.

Meanwhile, the prancing horse in the Ferrari logo can be traced back to a warplane flown by an Italian fighter pilot. Furthermore, the antlers and black and red stripes on the logo were influenced by Württemberg’s state seal, as the state colors are red and black. The Porsche logo design also honored Swabia, the Porsche family’s second place of residence.

Learn More About Porsche History at Porsche Fremont

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Porsche, we can help. You can visit us in Fremont or reach out to our team online for more information on the Porsche brand. In the meantime, feel free to work with our team to find out how you can upgrade your San Leandro travels.

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