In days past most cars had hood ornaments used primarily to communicate the brand. Most of the very early ones also served as radiator caps.
Our look at this art form on the hood start with a 1930s Cadillac. It was known as the Flying Goddess, and was available on Cadillacs up until the late 1950s.
Having failed to note what car this is on, this ‘coiled cobra’ hood ornament only shows up on a 1931 Isotta Fraschini using a Google Images search.
Another Goddess, this one is the Packard Goddess of Speed.
Another great Packard hood ornament. Supposedly patterned on the family crest, it has been called a pelican or sometimes a cormorant.
The 1930 Cadillac LaSalle ornament is leading the way.
The emblem below the ornament indicates this is a 1932 Cadillac LaSalle.
The Cadillac LaSalle series continues with this 1938.
A similar look to the Cadillac, this art deco style ornament is from a 1930s Packard.
The Quail from a 1930s Ford.
This Chevrolet of he same time period has this ornament known as the Confederate
As we move into the 1950s Oldsmobile the ornaments are much more streamlined.
Our final ornament is a swan from an unidentified car. Feel free to identify.
RDZ Photography 