When did the Ford logo change?
The most visible overhaul of Ford’s emblem occurred in 2020, when the company unveiled a flatter, more minimalist blue oval as part of a global brand refresh. The iconic blue oval with the white script traces its roots to 1927, with earlier refinements over the decades. This article explores when and how the Ford logo has evolved and where it is used today.
Origins and the enduring blue oval
The blue oval with the Ford script first became the company’s emblem in 1927. Since then, the mark has undergone periodic refinements—mostly subtle changes to color, border treatment, and the depth of the lettering—while preserving the fundamental oval shape and cursive wordmark. The most pronounced shift in recent memory arrived with Ford’s 2020 brand refresh, which simplified the look for a digital-first era.
Key milestones in the Ford logo timeline
Below are the major moments that defined the logo’s appearance and how it’s presented across media over the years.
- 1927 — Introduction of the blue oval with white script, establishing the enduring Ford emblem.
- Late 1950s — Subtle refinements to the oval’s shape, stroke balance, and script for improved legibility.
- 1990s — A more glossy, gradient treatment appears in marketing materials as print and digital media evolve.
- Early 2000s — A broader brand refresh standardizes the oval for global use, with tweaks to typographic spacing.
- 2020 — A major redesign yields a flatter, minimal blue oval with crisper edges, aligning with Ford’s digital branding strategy.
These milestones show how Ford has balanced preserving a highly recognizable symbol with adapting its appearance for changing media landscapes.
Recent redesign and current usage
Today, Ford’s logo remains the familiar blue oval with white script, but its presentation is more standardized across vehicles, digital platforms, and advertising. The flatter oval is increasingly seen on new models and marketing assets, while older, textured renditions may appear in archives or nostalgic contexts.
- Vehicles — The badge on grilles and wheel centers often features the flat, minimalist oval for newer models, with the classic look retained in some trims or markets.
- Marketing and digital — The flat oval is used across websites, apps, social media, and ads to maintain consistency in a digital environment.
- Heritage and merchandise — Some materials and collector items still showcase older, more three-dimensional renditions of the logo.
The 2020 redesign stands out as the most conspicuous single change in modern times, but the logo’s core identity—the blue oval with Ford script—has remained a stable shorthand for the brand.
Why the logo’s evolution matters
The Ford emblem functions as a bridge between heritage and innovation. The shift to a flatter, simpler design mirrors broader industry trends toward scalable, digitally friendly branding while keeping the instantly recognizable script that drivers around the world associate with the brand.
Summary
In short: Ford introduced the blue oval in 1927 and has tweaked its appearance over the decades, culminating in a notable 2020 redesign toward a flatter, minimal look. The emblem remains a globally recognizable symbol, evolving in presentation to fit modern media without losing its essential identity.
Why are people flipping their Ford logos?
While the Ford logo has been around for decades, many fans of the revolutionary car brand have discovered a trendy new way to appreciate it with a pop culture twist. By flipping their camera screen, some TikTokers have discovered that it spells out the word "brat".
Did they change the Ford logo?
Yes, Ford quietly updated its logo in late 2023, debuting on the 2024 F-150. The new design is a modernized, simplified version of the classic "blue oval" that removes the thin silver oval outline, enlarges the white "Ford" script, and replaces the chrome border with a simple white finish. The change makes the logo look flatter and more 2D, while still maintaining its iconic shape.
- Old vs. New: The previous logo had a chrome surround and a thinner silver outline within the blue oval.
- New Logo Features: The updated emblem has a more minimalist design with a simple white border, larger white script, and a flatter, two-dimensional appearance.
- Reasoning: Ford chose to keep the design familiar but updated it to a more modern and simpler look that aligns with current design trends.
- Rollout: The updated logo was first seen on the 2024 F-150, and it is expected to be applied to other Ford models in the future, though the timeline for a full rollout is not yet clear.
When did Ford change their emblem?
1912
The art nouveau border that was included on the logo was very fashionable at the time. The script that was written in this elongated form was known as the "script with wings". It was used up until 1912, when the current font that we can see today on Ford vehicles was born.
What was the Ford logo in 1903 1907?
Ford Motor Logo 1903-1907
The original mark was black and white with decorative flourishes, shaped like a coat of arms, and it featured a cursive “Ford Motor Co.” written across a circular gear and art nouveau border.
