Puma is a legendary Brazilian car manufacturer that became renowned for its distinctive sports and racing cars. Founded in 1964 by Rino Malzoni, a Brazilian businessman with a passion for cars, the brand quickly became known for combining Brazilian design flair with reliable Volkswagen and later General Motors mechanical components. Initially based in Matão, São Paulo, Puma’s vehicles were instantly recognizable for their fiberglass bodies and stylish designs, appealing to sports car enthusiasts. Puma cars became symbols of Brazilian ingenuity and automotive passion.

Meaning and History of Puma

Puma was born out of Rino Malzoni's vision to bring a unique blend of design and performance to the automotive world. From its inception, Puma utilized DKW components but soon switched to Volkswagen parts, merging the reliability of German engineering with Brazil's rich automotive creativity. Known for their fiberglass bodies, Puma cars were lightweight, sleek, and stunning in their visual appeal.

The 1970s marked the brand’s peak as Puma expanded internationally, with models like the GTB and GTE earning a reputation for their performance and cutting-edge design. This period represented the brand's golden years, where Puma solidified its place in the global automotive industry.

However, the 1980s brought economic and political challenges for Brazil, affecting Puma’s ability to source parts and impacting its financial stability. Despite these setbacks, the brand’s legacy continued, though by the late 1990s, Puma faced severe financial difficulties, leading to the company's eventual closure. Nevertheless, Puma’s spirit of innovation and contribution to Brazilian automotive history remains strong, remembered as a brand that merged performance and creativity to leave a lasting impact on car enthusiasts worldwide.

What is Puma?

Puma, a celebrated Brazilian car manufacturer, is recognized for creating sports cars that combined Brazilian design with Volkswagen and later General Motors mechanics. Established in the mid-1960s, Puma is celebrated for its fiberglass-bodied vehicles, which were both visually striking and mechanically sound. Known for innovative designs and spirited performance, Puma holds an important place in the global sports car scene.

Puma Cars Logo (1964 – Today)

The Puma Cars logo features a stylized, angular depiction of a puma’s head, placed inside a sharp-edged rectangular frame. The puma’s face is formed using bold, geometric shapes and is primarily in a striking yellow with solid black outlining. Beneath the image, the brand name "PUMA" is displayed in a broad, blocky typeface, accompanied by a checkered motif that nods to the brand’s racing heritage. This logo design conveys an aura of aggressive elegance, speed, and performance, representing the brand's rich connection to both luxury design and racing traditions.