Have you ever come across the Vauxhall logo and wondered about its meaning and significance? As a European brand, Vauxhall may not be as familiar to those of us in the United States. However, with the recent sale of Vauxhall by General Motors to the PSA Group, this iconic badge has been making headlines. Let’s dive into the world of Vauxhall’s logo design and unravel the story behind it.

Unveiling the Symbolic Vauxhall Logo

Did you know that Vauxhall is one of the oldest vehicle manufacturers and distribution companies in the UK? Its history dates back to 1857 when Alexander Wilson founded the company in the Vauxhall district of London. Originally known as Vauxhall Iron Works, the company later adopted its current name. The logo, designed in 1857, features a griffin driving a “V” flag into the ground, reflecting the brand’s local heritage.

But what’s the significance of the griffin? This mythical creature, with the body of a lion and the head/wings of an eagle, draws inspiration from the coat of arms of Sir Falkes de Breauté, who was granted the Manor of Luton in the thirteenth century. Eventually, Fulk’s Hall, his mansion, became known as Vauxhall.

Over the years, the Vauxhall logo underwent subtle changes, streamlining its details and evolving from a square to a round shape. The most recent design update, in 2008, focused on the head of the animal, showcasing Vauxhall’s fresh design philosophy and paying tribute to its rich manufacturing heritage in the UK.

A Griffin or a Wyvern?

There has been an ongoing debate about whether the creature depicted in the logo is a griffin or a wyvern, a mythical dragon with legs and a tail. While some argue for the wyvern based on its resemblance to the feathered eagle head, most experts agree that the Vauxhall logo represents a griffin.

A New Era for the Vauxhall Logo?

With the recent acquisition of Vauxhall by the PSA Group, many wonder if the logo will undergo a transformation to mark this new chapter in the company’s history. Although there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, it remains to be seen if the PSA Group will choose to maintain the brand’s current image or introduce a noticeable makeover. Considering the 2008 redesign aimed at improving the brand’s perception, a refreshed logo wouldn’t come as a surprise.

If you find the stories behind logos fascinating, don’t miss our Behind the Badge series, where we explore intriguing automotive emblems.

Sources: Logos History, Vauxhall, Vauxpedianet