I find it fascinating that someone can be so fascinated by car mascots. Mind you, I'm not one to talk: I like looking at different designs of buses. A friend of mine loves railway sidings -- go figure! I guess it's a man thing. Anyway, I very much enjoyed reading this, and I even recognised the Pontiac one -- no idea how I could have known it.
Great post, Mark - really interesting! I love the diversity of these bonnet ornaments - 'Spirit of Ecstasy' and the Mercedes star are very different, but they are of course instantly recognisable as symbols of the brand.
These days it's all about branding, but I love how the early ornaments - the ones of beautiful ladies! - are very reminiscent of the figureheads of old ships, aboard which they were revered as symbols of hope and protection to safeguard a vessel in war and on perilous voyages.
I find it fascinating that someone can be so fascinated by car mascots. Mind you, I'm not one to talk: I like looking at different designs of buses. A friend of mine loves railway sidings -- go figure! I guess it's a man thing. Anyway, I very much enjoyed reading this, and I even recognised the Pontiac one -- no idea how I could have known it.
Great post, Mark - really interesting! I love the diversity of these bonnet ornaments - 'Spirit of Ecstasy' and the Mercedes star are very different, but they are of course instantly recognisable as symbols of the brand.
These days it's all about branding, but I love how the early ornaments - the ones of beautiful ladies! - are very reminiscent of the figureheads of old ships, aboard which they were revered as symbols of hope and protection to safeguard a vessel in war and on perilous voyages.