The Badge history
The original Chrysler logo, which vanished after 1954 from all but 1955-1956 Windsors, C300s, and 300Bs with manual transmissions*, and reappeared in 1994, is a rendition of a wax seal complete with ribbon affixed at the lower right. The thunderbolts above and below the name are actually "Z"s, a tribute to the prototype built before Chrysler took over Maxwell, which took the name "Zeder" from chief engineer Fred Zeder. (At the time, Chrysler was trying to keep development of the new car and his involvement in it a secret, probably still upset about the loss of the car that was supposed to be the first Chrysler. This car design was sold to Billy Durant as a liquidated asset in the Willys-Overland bankruptcy; Durant eventually built this car under the Flint name.)
From 1955 to the early 1980s, various stylized coats of arms appeared as Chrysler logos, none of which are believed to be the Chrysler (originally Kreussler) family crest. Lions also turned up in Chrysler emblems from 1955-1961, during which time Chrysler engines bore names such as "Golden Lion 413". Crowns are another recurring theme, fitting for a make with model names such as Royal, Windsor and Imperial.
The ribbon seal and silver wings first appeared on the radiator shell of the 1924 Chrysler Model B.
The circular gold, red and blue ribbon seal serves as a badge of quality to emphasise the car maker's integrity.
The badge disappeared when hood ornaments went out of fashion in the 1950s, only to return on the bonnet of the Chrysler Sebring Coupe in 1997.
During the “rebirth” of Chrysler in the late 1990s, the Chrysler “seal” logo was installed in wings. The silver wings are said to resemble a Viking helmet and emphasise a spirit of daring and of exploration. Some believe that they also pay homage to Mercury, the winged Greek deity and universal symbol of speed.
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