Where Did The Hood Ornaments Go?

Jaguar had the Leaper. Mercedes had the logo proudly standing up on the hood. But that’s all become a thing of the past: where did the hood ornaments go? Hood ornaments were a critical part of automotive design, and for a good reason: they began as clever disguises for radiator caps over a century ago. Drivers loved the look of them, and they morphed into “car mascots” and were created into stunning works of art. Over time, safety concerns and aerodynamic demands led most manufacturers to retire these iconic design markers, though ultra-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley have kept the tradition alive with retractable versions. Today, hood ornaments are rare treasures, celebrated in classic car shows and museums as relics of a bygone era of automotive craftsmanship.