What is a Fratzog logo?
The Fratzog is a stylized three-pointed star emblem that was used by Chrysler Corporation-era marques in the 1960s and early 1970s. It’s a distinctive Mopar-era symbol that car enthusiasts today recognize as part of that period’s design language.
In this article, we explain what the logo looks like, where it appeared, the origins of its name, and how it is viewed by collectors and fans of vintage Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth designs. The term “fratzog” is a modern label added by enthusiasts rather than an officially published Chrysler branding term.
What the Fratzog looks like
Before listing the defining features, here is a concise description of its visual identity and form.
- Three blade-like points arranged in a circular pattern, creating a three-pointed star outline.
- Each point resembles an arrowhead or spearhead, with sharp edges and a symmetrical layout at roughly 120-degree increments.
- Often shown within a circular ring or frame and finished in chrome or a monochrome tone on badges and grilles.
- The overall design emphasizes geometric balance and a futuristic, kinetic look that matched the era’s automotive styling.
In short, the Fratzog is defined by its tri-point star motif formed from three arrowhead-like shapes, typically encircled and rendered in metal or high-contrast finishes.
Historical usage and appearances
To understand where the logo showed up, note the contexts in which the symbol appeared on Chrysler-family vehicles and materials.
- Introduced in the early 1960s as part of a broader design refresh for Mopar brands.
- Displayed on front grilles, steering wheels, dashboards, emblems, and various marketing materials across Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, and Imperial models.
- Part of the corporate and brand identity during the 1960s and into the early 1970s, spanning several generations of cars from full-size to mid-size lines.
- Phased out by the early 1970s as branding moved toward simpler insignia; by the mid to late 1970s, official use had largely diminished.
Today, the Fratzog is most often encountered in vintage Mopar memorabilia, restoration references, and car-spotting communities that catalog 1960s-70s Chrysler styling cues.
Origins of the name and design
The exact official origin of the term “fratzog” is not documented in Chrysler’s public branding histories. Enthusiasts and historians commonly use the word to refer to the three-pointed star emblem, and there is no widely published Chrysler rationale for the name.
- Official Chrysler histories do not record an explanation for the term.
- The designation appears in enthusiast literature and museum captions, rather than on the cars themselves.
- As a result, “fratzog” is best described as a post hoc label adopted by collectors to communicate the emblem’s distinctive shape and era.
Understanding the logo’s name and origin relies on community documentation rather than an official corporate statement from the period.
Legacy, modern references, and collector interest
Even as the emblem faded from new-car branding, the Fratzog has persisted in memory and culture among vintage-Mopar aficionados and design historians.
- In the decades since, the Fratzog has become a recognizable symbol of 1960s Mopar styling and the broader era’s design experimentation.
- Collectors seek authentic badges, grille emblems, and interior signs bearing the Fratzog, driving interest in restoration projects and period-correct detailing.
- There is no official revival of the Fratzog as a current brand mark, but it remains popular in aftermarket art, decals, and curated museum displays that celebrate Chrysler’s mid-century design language.
Ultimately, the Fratzog endures as a cultural touchstone for fans of vintage Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth aesthetics, illustrating how logo design from that era continues to fascinate modern audiences.
Summary
The Fratzog is a vintage Chrysler-era emblem featuring a three-pointed star formed by three arrowhead-like shapes, typically shown inside a circular frame. It appeared on various Mopar vehicles and materials during the 1960s and early 1970s and is predominantly discussed today by enthusiasts and collectors. The name itself is not officially documented by Chrysler, making it a label that grew from fan and historian communities as a way to identify this distinctive logo. While no current brand uses the Fratzog as part of modern branding, its legacy persists in restorations, retro art, and the broader history of mid-century automotive design.
