The history of the Cadillac emblem stretches back over 300 years, steeped in legacy and legend. To uncover the origins of this iconic logo, it is necessary to understand the story of the company’s namesake, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who founded Detroit
in 1701. His coat of arms, rich with symbolism, became the foundation for Cadillac’s emblem.
The original coat of arms, which inspired the emblem, was split into two key elements: a coat and a shield. The crown, or Couronne, symbolizes France’s six ancient courts, while the pearls denote royal descent from Toulouse. The shield, a testament to the noble family’s brave origins, takes its shape from the warrior shields of old. Divided into four quarters, the first and fourth sections depict the arms of the mother’s family, with merlettes (legless, beakless birds resembling martins) signifying their lineage. The crown and merlettes have since been omitted from the modern crest.
Each redesign of the Cadillac emblem has carried forward a piece of this rich history, maintaining a connection to its noble and adventurous origins. The crest’s enduring presence on Cadillac vehicles today continues to tell a tale of legacy, valor, and elegance, bridging centuries of history with the modern road.
…bob
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