What's In A Logo

The logo of the 1946 to 1972 Alfa Romeo. One might ask about the meaning of a logo and in some cases like this one, there are meanings and stories to be told. This isn't so true in the automobile world today, or so one would think. In the early times of the motor car brands came and went. This one tells the names of the originators and where it was built.

Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company) or A.L.F.A. This came about after the original partnership failed and the company that was in France was moved to Italy. The red and white colors represent the farmers and citizens. The red cross is the Cross of Christ. The green serpent with the man in its jaws is symbolizing the protection of the House of Visconti from its enemies. The laurel wreath in some of the badges of the Alfa Romeo line was to represent the winning of the world title.

When Neapolitan businessman Nicola Romeo bought the company he converted its factories to produce munitions and machineries for World War I. After the war, the company went back to producing cars and took on its owner’s last name to become Alfa Romeo.

So, what's in a logo?