Why Did Hood Ornaments Disappear from Cars?

A century ago, hood ornaments emerged as a way to conceal unattractive radiator caps. In earlier times, radiator caps were placed externally on vehicles, allowing motorists to monitor the coolant steam temperature easily. However, these caps did not make for appealing designs; thus, automobile manufacturers began exploring innovative options.

Hood ornaments Originally designed to conceal unattractive radiator caps over a hundred years ago, these components were positioned externally to allow drivers to monitor the coolant steam temperature. Since those caps lacked aesthetic appeal, automobile manufacturers began enhancing their designs with decorative "hood ornaments."

Initially, early automobiles did not feature coolant temperature gauges. An innovative firm developed the Moto-Meter, which was a thermometer attached to the radiator. Once car makers started integrating coolant temperature indicators into their designs, the Moto-Meter faded from use; however, certain brands continued to include decorative hood ornaments.

Today, just a handful of premium brands continue to provide this stunning hood ornament, such as Rolls-Royce And what about Bentley? Whatever became of those mobile masterpieces?

Expelled for security and layout

According to the The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum In Auburn, Indiana, safety professionals started examining hood ornaments as a possible risk in crashes during the 1960s. Consequently, these adornments were excluded from later models around this period—consider vehicles such as the Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, or even the sleek Plymouth Superbird. With automobiles becoming speedier, manufacturers recognized that elements increasing drag and reducing fuel economy posed significant drawbacks. Thus, decorative items like the playful Bugatti mascot or Rolls-Royce’s iconic Spirit of Ecstasy could indeed impact a vehicle’s aerodynamic performance negatively.

In Europe, vehicle safety rules led to the removal of hood ornaments due to the danger they present to pedestrians who are struck by cars. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that pedestrian deaths rose by 57% from 4,779 to 7,522 between 2013 and 2022. In September 2024, the group suggested a new regulation aimed at establishing tests for simulating front-end collisions and setting standards to reduce the likelihood of head injuries. Sculptures such as "Leaper," which serves as Jaguar’s emblem, might function akin to spears during an accident involving pedestrians; however, data correlating real-world injuries specifically due to hood ornaments has proven difficult to find.

While not every car company removed their mascots from the fronts of their vehicles during the '60s, Cadillac continued to feature its emblem on the hood for certain models up until the early 2000s. This was due to a regulation mandating that these emblems had to be collapsible upon impact. However, both Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz hood ornaments were frequently targeted for theft. Interestingly enough, they became fashion accessories when worn as neckpieces by an influential rapper (you know who I mean). Rick Ross Rolls-Royce and Bentley have largely addressed the problems of vandalism and safety hazards using an impressive feature: their iconic mascots can retract automatically into a hidden compartment located in front of the hood.

Hood ornaments of the past, into the future

My all-time favorite historical hood ornament is Chrysler’s winged emblem, reminiscent of the Golden Snitch used in Harry Potter’s Quidditch matches. Currently sitting on my desk is a 1956 Buick Roadmaster hood ornament—a massive chunky chrome design that feels incredibly weighty for something so small. The Pierce-Arrow’s Archer was another remarkable choice; this sculptural piece graced their pre-World War II vehicles and would not look out of place in an art gallery.

You may recall Cadillac’s intricate three-dimensional crest. However, this renowned American marque introduced not one but two distinct hood ornaments during the 1930s: the celebrated Flying Goddess and a striking heron design. In modern times, the Goddess makes a comeback in the GM luxury brand's latest model, the Celestiq, where she appears as a glass-enclosed feature both within the cabin and on the front fender. It'll be great to have her return. Maybe we’ll witness more automotive manufacturers reviving their historical emblems—whether displayed on the vehicle's sides or incorporated into the interior designs.

Half a century ago, car accessories were marketed as practical tools prior to the introduction of in-car cameras. As featured in the December 5, 1972 edition of the magazine, this trend was quite prominent. New York Times According to writer Jerry M. Flint, automakers in Detroit believe that hood ornaments provide drivers with a reference point towards the middle of the road, potentially enhancing ease and safety during driving. Dick Macadam, who was a lead designer at Chrysler Corporation, referred to the hood ornament as a "navigational aid."

William Mitchell, who was the vice president for styling at GM, supported the usage of car mascots arguing they served as a way to distinguish one design from another.

I absolutely hate hoods that resemble turkey roasters or bedpans," Mitchell stated. One can only wonder what he would make of certain lozenge-shaped automobiles available nowadays. Next time you're strolling through the exhibits of vintage vehicles at a museum or car show, pay attention to the ornamentation throughout history. Let’s come together to lament their disappearance.

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