The A‑Z of Cars Named After Animals: From the Austin Ant to the Daihatsu Zebra (and a Golf Surprise!)
The A‑Z of Cars Named After Animals: From the Austin Ant to the Daihatsu Zebra (and a Golf Surprise!)
Image: The A‑Z of Cars Named After Animals: From the Austin Ant to the Daihatsu Zebra (and a Golf Surprise!) – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Ever wonder why a rugged off‑roader is called a Wolf or a sleek sports coupe bears the name Tiger? Car manufacturers have long turned to the animal kingdom for inspiration, hoping that a beast’s character will rub off on steel and rubber. In this zoological road‑trip we’ll cruise from the diminutive Austin Ant all the way to the bold Daihatsu Zebra, with a few unexpected stops—like a Volkswagen Golf named after a horse—along the way. Buckle up, and let the animal alphabet guide you.
A – Austin Ant
In the late 1960s Sir Alec Issigonis, the mind behind the Mini, dreamed up a tiny 4×4 meant for military duty. The project was short‑lived, but the name Ant was perfect: small, tough, and ready to bite. British Leyland scrapped it in 1968, fearing it would clash with the Land Rover brand.
B – Mazda Bongo
The Japanese one‑box van launched in 1966 took its name from the third‑largest African antelope. Fun fact: both sexes of the bongo grow horns—though the van never got a horn‑shaped spoiler, it did feature a steering‑wheel‑mounted horn button on early models.
C – Shelby Cobra
Born from a re‑engineered AC Ace, the Cobra slithered onto the scene after a dream visited Carroll Shelby. Its V8‑powered bite became legendary, influencing everything from naming conventions to performance‑tuning culture.
D – Haval Big Dog
In 2020 a Chinese social‑media poll crowned the SUV Big Dog, beating out contenders like Wolf and Hiker. Trim levels follow a canine hierarchy: entry‑level Husky, mid‑range German Shepherd, and top‑tier Belgian Shepherd.
E – AMC Eagle
The 1980s all‑wheel‑drive pioneer combined Jeep mechanics with a compact sedan body. While the origin of the Eagle moniker is fuzzy, the model sparked Chrysler’s later performance sub‑brand, also called Eagle.
F – Ford Falcon
First a 1930s luxury concept, the Falcon later became a staple of Ford’s U.S. lineup. A frantic 20‑minute race with Chrysler secured the name, proving that even in the 1950s, branding was a high‑stakes game.
G – Volkswagen Golf
Contrary to popular belief, the Golf isn’t named after a wind. VW’s purchasing chief Hans‑Joachim Zimmermann was a horse‑rider whose favourite steed was named Golf. The name stuck and has now eclipsed the original equine reference.
H – Lancia Hyena Zagato
This limited‑run coupé, born from a rally legend, took its ferocious moniker from the scavenging Hyena. Only 24 were built, making it a true collector’s beast.
I – Chevrolet Impala
From 1957 to 2020 the Impala roamed American roads, its name chosen for the graceful African antelope that inspired the original 1956 show car’s logo.
J – Proton Jumbuck
“Jumbuck” is Aussie slang for a sheep—fitting for a rugged front‑drive ute that even saw limited UK sales. In Malaysia the model was re‑badged as the Arena, a far less charismatic title.
K – Reliant Kitten
While the three‑wheeled Robin stole the spotlight, the four‑wheeled Kitten quietly sold just over 4,000 units between 1975‑82. Its name emerged from an internal employee contest.
L – Nissan Leopard
Produced from 1980‑1999, the Leopard was a Japanese luxury‑sport hybrid. Despite its predatory name, no factory‑offered spotted steering‑wheel cover ever materialised.
M – De Tomaso Mangusta
Italian for “mongoose”, the Mangusta was a revenge‑fuelled tribute to the snake‑killing carnivore after a fallout with Carroll Shelby. Its sleek V8‑powered chassis remains a cult favourite.
N – Jeep Gladiator Nighthawk
Finding an animal that starts with “N” is tough, so Jeep settled for the Nighthawk trim—a nod to the nocturnal bird of prey, even if the name never made it to a stand‑alone model.
O – GVT Ox
Designed by Gordon Murray for African markets, the flat‑pack Ox combined Ford Transit underpinnings with a rugged, ox‑like silhouette. It now lives on as an electric truck for Ox Delivers in Rwanda.
P – Fiat Panda
Despite the panda bear’s iconic status, Fiat’s city car was originally called “Rustica”. The switch to Panda caused a brief tussle with WWF, resolved by a charitable donation.
Q – Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1 Quail Silver Limited Edition
While not a true animal name, this special edition honoured the Quail car show and the resort that hosts it, making it the quirkiest “Q” entry.
R – Plymouth Road Runner
The cartoon bird’s “meep‑meep” horn cost Plymouth $10,000—a small price for a mascot that still roars in classic‑car circles.
S – Triumph Stag
Among Triumph’s alphabetic codename projects, only the Stag survived to production, delivering a sleek British grand tourer with a touch of woodland elegance.
T – Sunbeam Tiger
Originally codenamed “Thunderbolt”, the Tiger was renamed after the 1925 Sunbeam land‑speed record car, itself once called the “Ladybird”.
U – Lamborghini Urraco
While Lamborghini loves fighting bulls, the Urraco translates to “little bull”, giving the 1970s mid‑engine sports car a playful twist on the brand’s tradition.
V – Dodge Viper
Designer Tom Gale asked Giugiaro for an Italian snake name; “Vipera” was suggested, and the Viper was born—an American answer to the Shelby Cobra.
W – Land Rover Wolf
The military‑grade version of the Defender earned its name after an engineering meeting where someone warned, “it could bite us in the arse”, prompting the team to simply call it Wolf.
X – Lada X‑Ray
The 2015 Russian compact SUV borrowed its name from the translucent X‑Ray tetra fish, proving that even obscure creatures can inspire automotive branding.
Y – Škoda Yeti
Whether myth or mammal, the Yeti SUV roamed the market from 2009‑2017, showing that even legendary beasts can find a place on showroom floors.
Z – Daihatsu Zebra
Produced in Indonesia from 1986‑2007, the Zebra never sported black‑and‑white stripes, but the name added a dash of exotic flair to an otherwise utilitarian kei‑car.
Design & Dimensions
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Ant | 3,300 | 1,500 | 1,800 |
| Mazda Bongo | 4,800 | 1,870 | 1,950 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 4,280 | 1,799 | 1,456 |
| Škoda Yeti | 4,350 | 1,840 | 1,720 |
Feature Comparison
| Model | ADAS | Infotainment | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Ant | None | Basic radio | 4WD |
| Haval Big Dog | Level 2 | 12‑inch touchscreen | AWD |
| Chevrolet Impala | Level 1 | 8‑inch touchscreen | RWD |
| Dodge Viper | None | Performance gauge cluster | RWD |
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby Cobra | 5.7 L V8 | 425 | 571 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 1.5 L Turbo‑Petrol | 150 | 250 |
| Lamborghini Urraco | 2.5 L V8 | 250 | 300 |
| Škoda Yeti | 1.4 L TSI | 150 | 250 |
Price Comparison (USD)
| Model | Launch Year | Base Price | Current Used Value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Ant | 1968 | $2,200 | $8,000 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 1974 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Dodge Viper | 1992 | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Škoda Yeti | 2009 | $18,000 | $12,000 |
*Values based on 2024 market data, average condition.
Conclusion
From tiny insects to towering mammals, the animal kingdom has provided a never‑ending source of inspiration for automotive branding. Whether the name adds a dash of aggression (Viper, Tiger) or a hint of charm (Kitten, Panda), it gives each model a personality that resonates with drivers. The next time you see a badge featuring a beast, remember the story behind it—and perhaps the next animal on the road will be one you’ve never imagined.
FAQ
- Q1: Why do manufacturers choose animal names?
- A1: Animals convey traits—speed, strength, agility—that brands want buyers to associate with their vehicles.
- Q2: Is the Volkswagen Golf really named after a horse?
- A2: Yes. VW’s purchasing chief named the model after his favourite horse, Golf, not after the wind.
- Q3: Which animal‑named car had the most powerful engine?
- A3: The Shelby Cobra’s 5.7 L V8 produced 425 hp, making it the most potent among the listed models.
- Q4: Are there any modern electric cars with animal names?
- A4: While most EVs favour futuristic names, the upcoming Rivian R1T “Wolf” edition hints at a resurgence.
- Q5: Did any animal‑named models ever feature actual animal‑inspired design cues?
- A5: The Chevrolet Impala’s original logo featured a stylised antelope, though most models kept conventional styling.
- Q6: Which animal‑named car is the rarest?
- A6: The Lancia Hyena Zagato, with only 24 units built, is highly collectible.
- Q7: Do animal names affect resale value?
- A7: Strong branding can boost desirability; for example, the Cobra and Viper retain premium values.
- Q8: Are there any “mythical” animal names on cars?
- A8: Yes—Škoda’s Yeti and the GVT Ox (though a real animal) both draw from folklore and tradition.
- Q9: How do manufacturers protect animal‑based trademarks?
- A9: They register the name as a trademark for automotive use, often defending it against unrelated industries.
- Q10: Will future car names continue the animal tradition?
- A10: Likely. As brands seek emotional connections, the animal kingdom remains a rich well of inspiration.
Source: Naming cars after animals – Autocar Ark
