Car emblems and names are always fascinating; sometimes evocative (Citroen DS) and sometimes banal (Pontiac Aztek). We often take them for granted so in today's COD, I thought I would visit some favorite ones.

The DB5 (Denis Brown 5); this name says it all.

American Motor eXperimental. This emblem is simple, to the point and has a X15 rocket plane feel to it. I am sure that this was intentional as the X15 predate the AMX.

This is one of the many emblems that Jaguar cars used. The leaping Jaguar is more common and more recognizable.

The Mercedes star has become so pervasive that even without the Mercedes name attached to it everyone knows what it stands.

The Lancia shielld and flag are as  elegant and precise as the cars the company made.

(1957 BelAir hood ornament- abstractly an airplane)

The 1955 Chevy BelAir is perhaps the first modern American car design after WW2. To confirm this simply take a look at an earlier BelAir such as 1950. The styling of the BelAir including the hood ornaments and tail fins evokes the fascination with the Jet Age and airplanes.

(1955 or '56 BelAir hood ornament)

(The Porsche Speedster; simple and direct)

(The Art Deco of a Studebaker)