From Kathmandu to Catford and Llanelli to Los Angeles, the three-pointed star of Mercedes Benz has been an icon of desire and durability for more than 70 years.
The story of the 'gunsight' began when Gottlieb Daimler, founder of Daimler, said that one day a star would rise over his factory and bring prosperity.
A star design was duly registered as the company's marque. In the following years the company was renamed Mercedes after the famous racer Emil Jellinek badged his Daimler racing cars in his daughter's name - Mercedes.
The Mercedes name became universal on all Daimlers until the merger with Benz during the great depression. Mercedes Benz AG was formed and the Benz logo of a Laurel wreath surrounding the Benz name was merged with the Mercedes star. In time the laurel wreath was swapped for a circle.
It is an exact engineering design rather than lions, horses, Viking ships and other assortments on lesser brands. This is a common feature of most German car firms: BMW, Audi and VW. It cannot be coincidence that manufacturers renowned for build quality have badges with engineered shapes. But the most prestigious, readily recognised and desired is Mercedes Benz - a position that looks secure for years to come.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
