In the Treasure of Sierra Madre, the leader of a group of robbers posing as local law enforcement indignantly rebuffs a demand for proof of their employment by saying “Badges? We don’t need no stink in’ badges!” Oh, if only the auto industry existed in so simple a world. Instead, it seems that every auto maker and brand requires a totem or badge that lends, if not an identity, then a credence for their existence. 

Some badges have developed iconic status over years of consistent use – the Mercedes Three-Pointed Star, or Ford Blue Oval for example. Others however have arrived with great fanfare as well as some brow furrowing as they don’t seem to be emblematic of their marques. Some aren’t even readily identifiable as to what they are trying to herald.

It’s those inconceivably obscure badges that we’re interested in today.  The… well, I don’t know what that is. What about the… yeah, that one’s kind of weird too. Okay, I give up, it’s now your turn. What do you think is the most indecipherable car or brand badge you’ve ever seen?