Benvenuti amici!
I am a big fan of grille badges. Whether the badge is a factory-installed model and/or brand ID badge, an aficionado-installed brand ID or an enthusiast group/club ID, I think grille badges look boss. I credit the two oldest mass production automakers with my deep appreciation for the ornament. For my money, their grilles/bonnets sport the top two four-letter 'F' words in existence.
Giovanni Angelli chose homeland as a brand ID:
FIAT has remained fairly true to the 1901 badge
Henry Ford chose family name as a brand ID:
Ford has remained fairly true to the 1912 badge
Some automakers and/or dealers, like Austin, created a different grille badge for each model offered. In some cases, ones model of choice sported the respective model badge in the center of the grille surrounded by the badges of its stablemates, companies doing business with the automaker and/or dealer or distinguished service of that make/model. This inexpensive marketing technique is no longer practiced, but examples can still be seen on vintage coaches.
Personal grille badges, like their bonnet & body installed cousins, have a history nearly as old as the automobile itself. Come to think of it, bonnet ornaments, body & grille badges are perhaps the oldest dealer and/or driver coach modification in the history of motorized coaches. Dig deep enough and you will find, like marketing and recreational badging, car clubs sprang up almost immediately following the automobiles invention.
The earliest car clubs, and their respective badges, were created to unify drivers of various makes during automobile infancy. Many towns, cities, states and countries restricted automobile speed in the countryside & cities to protect pedestrians. Speed traps were created to enforce these speed limits. A club grille badge identified one's vehicle to other members, whom warned one another of a speed trap ahead. This may not be the driving force behind car clubs & IDs today, but drivers & clubs remain keen on distinguishing themselves among their fellow motorists.
Austin 8 w/various badges on grille bar
The earliest car clubs, and their respective badges, were created to unify drivers of various makes during automobile infancy. Many towns, cities, states and countries restricted automobile speed in the countryside & cities to protect pedestrians. Speed traps were created to enforce these speed limits. A club grille badge identified one's vehicle to other members, whom warned one another of a speed trap ahead. This may not be the driving force behind car clubs & IDs today, but drivers & clubs remain keen on distinguishing themselves among their fellow motorists.
Example of vintage touring club badge
Like most things, the grille badge has evolved. In fact, sometimes, club badges don't appear on the grille at all. Come to think of it, many modern cars no longer sport proper grilles. But touring groups, like FIAT On The Dragon, find other creative ways to fly their colors. Vinyl window badges are often the weapon of choice. They are relatively inexpensive and can look great.
Count Cream City 500 Club among modern clubs valuing this tried & true traditions. A few immediate questions came to mind when I made my final decision on the CC5C ID (a vinyl window cling):
Boss touring badge designed by Brett Melancon
"Where do I place the vinyl window cling? The front windshield - so, other drivers see it as we approach one another? Either side rear window - so, other drivers see it as they pull alongside my 'cento? The rear window - so, other drivers see it as they pull behind me?" I tried the rear window first and continued asking around and researching the subject online.
I could find no definitive opinion on the subject. But, the most common comment I read online is "Well, name tags are worn on the right side. This makes it more easily read when meeting other people". That simply did not work for me. A car badge is not a name tag, it's a flag… a unit ID. I am an U.S. Army veteran. Flag lapel pins, awards and military unit patches are commonly worn on the left side (nearest to one's heart). I reasoned a car badge should be displayed in the same manner. My vinyl cling quickly moved from the rear window to left side rear window.
The first CC5C vinyl window badge
The day I posted a photo of the CC5C logo online, someone suggested I create a grille badge option. This resonated with me and I quickly set something up with GoBadges. This would afford likeminded, local and non-local FIAT aficionados a more refined choice of club representation. I immediately ordered one of my own and placed it on the left side grille of our first FIAT.
2012 FIAT 500 Pop w/CC5C grille badge
Of course, the badge was removed from the beautiful P500 when we moved into an equally good-looking A500 and affixed to Sombrita in short order. It, along with the leather hatch pull strap upgrade, was the first personalization for our new Italian buggie. We dig the contrast of chrome against the black grille, but offer supporters a black-ringed option... "Different strokes for different folks."
2013 FIAT 500 Abarth w/CC5C grille badge
So, there you have it. That is the CC5C short history on grille badges and proper placement on modern 4-wheeled transport… the left side (closest to the driver's heart). Of course, badges of any sort are an ornament ~ a decoration. Place it as you see fit and roll out. We appreciate your support.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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