50 Classic Automobile Typography Designs

Whenever I see a beautifully designed vehicle the first and most important action is to see what company is behind the design. As soon as you see that logo, your judgement based on that vehicle will, from now on, be associate with that brand. It’s something so automatic that we really don’t notice until we recall that information again. Later on somebody will ask you your opinion, and your will most than likely reply based on your experience.

Being a typography lover might seem a bit strange to some. I remember commenting on a movie poster, for their great use of typography, ended up with some raised eyebrows. The concept might be strange to a regular consumer that has no background knowledge of the skill. For people like us, who understand that it’s far more than just letters combined together, it’s a piece of art.

Recently I stumbled-upon a Tumblr based website called Chromeography. The site is maintained by Stephen Coles, who is a writer and typographer living in Oakland/Berlin. Chromeography praises chrome logos and lettering affixed to vintage automobiles and electric appliances. Looking around at the beautiful typography created by designers before our time, really inspired me. Seeing their, what some might call, retro and vintage typographical trend is quite pleasing. Today we collected some beautiful retro designs from Chromeography!

Note: All of the images are linked to their source.

Ford F-100 truck

1969 Riley ELf

Peterbilt

Delta

1972 Subaru Sambar

Datsun

1965 Wartburg 1000

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe Type 34

Dodge Brothers Radiator Badge

International Loadstar 1600

1970 Dodge Charger SE

Husqvarna

Crown Firecoach

Honda 600

Raymond Loewy’s personal 1963 Studebaker Avanti