The soft glow of a car badge at night is a subtle yet distinctive feature. While not common today, the history of Light Up Car Badges dates back decades, most notably with the Wolseley marque. This unique feature, once a hallmark of Wolseley cars, offers a glimpse into automotive history and branding.
Wolseley: The Pioneer of Illuminated Car Badges
Wolseley, a British car manufacturer, first introduced the illuminated badge in 1932. This innovative feature, an oval-shaped badge glowing softly in the dark, became synonymous with the brand. For over four decades, from the pre-war era to the final Wolseley model in 1975 (the Princess 18-22), the glowing badge remained a constant. This unique identifier made Wolseleys easily recognizable at night, even from a distance.
The illuminated badge held particular significance for police forces. Black Wolseley police cars, already imposing figures, became even more distinguishable with their glowing badges and distinctive Winkworth bells. The small, central light served as a clear indicator of a police presence, especially at night when headlamps were often dimmed.
Beyond Wolseley: A Rare Feature
Surprisingly, few other car manufacturers adopted the illuminated badge. Subaru, in its Japanese domestic market, illuminated its six-star logo starting in the 1980s. However, this feature was not carried over to its export models.
The Modern Era: Missed Opportunities?
In today’s brand-focused automotive market, the lack of light up car badges seems like a missed opportunity. While some manufacturers incorporate illuminated elements into their designs, such as daytime running lights and puddle lamps projecting logos, the classic illuminated badge remains largely absent.
Modern electric vehicles from Volkswagen (ID series) and Mercedes-Benz (EQ series) feature prominent light bars across their grilles. However, neither brand illuminates its logo, despite the clear branding potential.
The Future of Light Up Car Badges
While illuminated door sills and puddle lights offer a degree of personalized branding, they lack the widespread visibility of a glowing badge. As car design continues to evolve, perhaps the illuminated badge, a nostalgic yet effective branding element, will experience a resurgence. The legacy of Wolseley, the pioneer of light up car badges, serves as a reminder of the potential of this simple yet powerful feature.
- Axon’s Automotive Anorak
- Wolseley
