Tatra Logo PNG
Speed and flawless work are evident in the emblem. As the Tatra logo shows, thoughtful design makes the machines’ aerodynamics perfect. Driving a Tatra is a thrill and, at the same time, as safe as possible.
Meaning and History
Their unusual construction and futuristic design have always distinguished Tatra cars. They began production in the early 1920s when the “Kopřivnická vozovka” company was named Tatra in honor of the highest mountain in Czechoslovakia. Even then, the technique was decorated with the famous round logo with an inscription inside, but its base was black.
Another rebranding took place in 1936. The automaker was bought and renamed Ringhoffer-Tatra. At that time, the badge on the cars changed: it acquired a red ring-frame with the word “RINGHOFFER” divided into letters. After 1938, the German invaders took over the company, and for several years, it provided the enemy army with military vehicles. The cars were so bad that many German officers died while driving, losing control. The machines were jokingly called the Czech Republic’s secret weapons.
In 1945, the plant was nationalized. This did not stop the designers from continuing to experiment with the emblems. For example, in 1947, the Tatraplan model appeared, adorned with a round red badge bearing white TATRA lettering with shortened T tops. But the Tatra T2-603 (until 1975) had a symbol inside a black rhombus with wings and was supplemented with the phrase “MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA.” These machines were intended only for the leaders of the Communist Party.
The company changed logos very often, but always adhered to the classic structure. She made sure to use her name and place it against the background of simple geometric shapes. An exception was the second half of the 20th century, when the inscription was without frames.
What is Tatra?
This is one of the world’s oldest automakers, a Czech company headquartered in Kopřivnice, known for its specialized military vehicles and heavy trucks that handle the toughest roads. Their vehicles stand out among other manufacturers due to a unique backbone-tube chassis design and air-cooled engines, enabling them to operate successfully in extreme conditions, from scorching deserts to frigid northern climates. The company began by producing passenger cars with advanced designs, including luxury models and aerodynamic limousines. Still, it gradually shifted its focus to building rugged off-road vehicles, making them a preferred choice for construction companies, mining enterprises, and military organizations worldwide.
1897 – 1920
The emblem is diamond-shaped with rounded corners. In the center is an elongated “T.” She stands upright, in contrast to the “TA” and “RA,” which tilt to her right and left. The font is uneven and sharp-angled. The base is lined with thin horizontal black-and-white stripes.
1920 – 1936
The radiator badge is covered in red enamel and resembles a droplet, with the narrow side down. In the upper part, there is a circle labeled “TATRA.” The letters fill the allotted space. The horizontal strokes of both “T” s are curved in a circle.
1936 – 1950
The red circle with the traditional “TATRA” lettering has been added with a wing. The new element is attached to the logo on the upper-left side and features four “feathers” of varying lengths. The brand name is placed in a red ring.
1950 – 1989
The word “TATRA” turned black and lost its circle. The letters are connected at the bottom by thin horizontal lines. The font is stylized and bold, with a very contrasting stroke thickness. The “R” has no in-letter gap, and both “A” have no crossbars.
1989 – 1999
The classic design has returned: a red circle with white lettering in the same white ring. The word no longer fills all the available space, leaving a lot of space around the edges. But above and below, the letters are curved in a circle. The horizontal “T” lines have been shortened.
1999 – today
To modernize the logo, the designers made it three-dimensional and placed it in a shiny silver ring. They achieved a 3D effect using a gradient that diverges from the lighter center to the darker edges.
Font and Colors
The current emblem is one of the main historical legacies of Tatra. Its foundation was laid in the early 1920s, when the company was renamed and began producing the first cars with round badges on the radiator grilles. Realizing the value of the original design, the brand owners tried to preserve it, so it has survived to this day almost unchanged. The modern version differs only in its stylish 3D design.
The letters have an unusual shape because they are adapted to the circle’s borders. All lines are of approximately the same thickness. Due to the deformation, the font is difficult to read, though grotesque.
The latest redesign brings changes to the color scheme. The red base is preserved but has become brighter and developed a gradient. The inscription remains white as before. And the circle turned out to be inside a silver ring, which outwardly resembles shiny chrome-plated metal.