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THE PEUGEOT LION: HISTORY OF A SYMBOL

April 11th, 2023

7 minute read

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The PEUGEOT Lion emblem is one of the most iconic symbols of the French automotive industry. It represents the pride, strength and quality of the cars produced by the PEUGEOT brand. But where does this emblem come from and how has it evolved over time? 
At the end of the 1940s, Emile Peugeot wanted to identify the PEUGEOT brand by creating a logotype. At that time, many people could neither read nor write, so a logotype made it possible to recognise a brand at a glance. He therefore asked a goldsmith from Montbéliard, Justin Blazer, to create an emblem. The goldsmith was inspired by the qualities of PEUGEOT's flagship product of the time: the saw. Speed, flexibility and bite: it is the lion that is the emblematic figure of the brand. The animal is placed on an arrow symbolising the saw's cutting speed. 
The logo of the lion on the arrow was adopted in 1850 and engraved on the saws. Registered at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers (an institute specialising in industrial and social sciences, used at the beginning as a depository for inventions). In 1858, it became the official emblem of the PEUGEOT brand and symbolised the brand and the success of the metallurgical branch.
The logo of the lion on the arrow was adopted in 1850 and engraved on the saws. Registered at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers (an institute specialising in industrial and social sciences, used at the beginning as a depository for inventions). In 1858, it became the official emblem of the PEUGEOT brand and symbolised the brand and the success of the metallurgical branch.
The PEUGEOT Lion appeared on the cars of the sons of the Peugeot brothers, around 1907. These "Lion PEUGEOT" cars proudly displayed the Lion on an arrow on their radiator grille.
The PEUGEOT Lion appeared on the cars of the sons of the Peugeot brothers, around 1907. These "Lion PEUGEOT" cars proudly displayed the Lion on an arrow on their radiator grille.

The evolution of the Peugeot Lion over the years 

In the 1920s, the PEUGEOT Lion was affixed to the top of the radiator grille. It was at this time that two designers honoured the PEUGEOT brand by creating radiator caps topped with a Lion figurine.    
Cap designed by Marx: here, the Lion poses proudly, paw forward. It represents the elegance of the Brand.
Cap designed by Marx: here, the Lion poses proudly, paw forward. It represents the elegance of the Brand.
Cap drawn by Baudichon: the Lion is represented in movement, running fast, with his mane in the wind. His nickname was "en 4e (vitesse)". A reminder of the atmosphere of the time, "the crazy years", swirling, fast and modern.
Cap drawn by Baudichon: the Lion is represented in movement, running fast, with his mane in the wind. His nickname was "en 4e (vitesse)". A reminder of the atmosphere of the time, "the crazy years", swirling, fast and modern.
From the 01 generation of vehicles (201, 301, 401 and 601) onwards, the lion's head is integrated into the grille. The four-pronged lion adds a touch of elegance to the front of PEUGEOT vehicles.
The emblem on 302 and 402 (1935-1942)
The emblem on the 202 (1938-1949)
Did you know? 

There is a debate about the gender of the symbolic animal: is it a lion or a lioness? Indeed, some people argue that it is the hunter lioness who is fast and has bite, unlike the lion who stays with the group over which he rules with authority and pride. 

 

Whatever the case, male or female, the feline remains the symbol of the exceptional allure of PEUGEOT vehicles. 

PEUGEOT 203 
The emblem on 203 (1948-1958)
From the 203 onwards, the style of the cars evolved, notably with the removal of the large vertical grille. The Lion then took on a new look: the emblem became a lion on the bonnet rather than on the grille.
From the 203 onwards, the style of the cars evolved, notably with the removal of the large vertical grille. The Lion then took on a new look: the emblem became a lion on the bonnet rather than on the grille.
In October 1957, external protrusions were banned on vehicles. PEUGEOT therefore resigned itself, like all other car brands, to affixing its emblem to the radiator grille of its cars. The heraldic Lion was then inlaid in a coat of arms, similar to the emblem of Franche-Comté, the birthplace of the PEUGEOT brand. The "standing" Lion (which had begun to appear in 1948) now replaces the Lion walking on the arrow.
In October 1957, external protrusions were banned on vehicles. PEUGEOT therefore resigned itself, like all other car brands, to affixing its emblem to the radiator grille of its cars. The heraldic Lion was then inlaid in a coat of arms, similar to the emblem of Franche-Comté, the birthplace of the PEUGEOT brand. The "standing" Lion (which had begun to appear in 1948) now replaces the Lion walking on the arrow.
It is important to note that the logo on a brochure may be different from the emblem on a car. In the same way, for the same year, the Lion logo could be different depending on the model.

Thus, in the 1960s, the lion logo also appeared, showing only its head, enlarged and placed in a shield, at the top of which the name "PEUGEOT" was written.

 

The mane of the fawn is then worked as well as its slightly half-open mouth.

Thus, in the 1960s, the lion logo also appeared, showing only its head, enlarged and placed in a shield, at the top of which the name "PEUGEOT" was written.

 

The mane of the fawn is then worked as well as its slightly half-open mouth.

Five years later, the lion's head changed in style: the rounded contours gave way to simpler, angular lines. The crest was removed and the inscription "PEUGEOT" was retained.
Five years later, the lion's head changed in style: the rounded contours gave way to simpler, angular lines. The crest was removed and the inscription "PEUGEOT " was retained.
At the dawn of the 1970s, the grille logo changed. It left its coat of arms and changed from gold to a more sober silver colour at the end of the 1970s.
At the dawn of the 1970s, the grille logo changed. It left its coat of arms and changed from gold to a more sober silver colour at the end of the 1970s.
PEUGEOT 505 grille
At the beginning of the 1980s, with the launch of the fifth generation, including the 305 and 505, PEUGEOT once again developed the Lion. The shape remained the same but became more refined with a simple silver outline on a black background.
At the beginning of the 1980s, with the launch of the fifth generation, including the 305 and 505, Peugeot once again developed the Lion. The shape remained the same but became more refined with a simple silver outline on a black background.
In the mid-1990s, the Lion grille evolved again: it became solid, silver with a rib in the middle in a vertical direction. This appearance is maintained with some modifications until 2010.
In the mid-1990s, the Lion grille evolved again: it became solid, silver with a rib in the middle in a vertical direction. This appearance is maintained with some modifications until 2010.
In 2010, for the brand's 200th anniversary, the Lion adopts a new stance. The more dynamic, intensely fluid PEUGEOT lion is created with a bi-metallic effect through its contrasting matt and gloss finishing.
In 2010, for the brand's 200th anniversary, the Lion adopts a new stance. The more dynamic, intensely fluid PEUGEOT lion is created with a bi-metallic effect through its contrasting matt and gloss finishing.
Finally, in 2021, the current PEUGEOT logo was adopted. Modernised, it reflects the Marque's involvement in the energy transition process, with a simplified and streamlined version of the emblem (reminiscent of the 1960 version), in line with the challenges of the 21st century.
Finally, in 2021, the current PEUGEOT logo was adopted. Modernised, it reflects the Marque's involvement in the energy transition process, with a simplified and streamlined version of the emblem (reminiscent of the 1960 version), in line with the challenges of the 21st century.
Today, the Peugeot Lion emblem is recognised throughout the world and is associated with the Brand's values: Allure, Excellence and Emotion. It symbolises the company's history and tradition, as well as its commitment to ever greater quality and innovation.
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TAGS: Histoire