I agree VW does a great job in creating balance between the core of the logo and modernization. It's sad to say but the Nazi's really cared about graphic design and typography, so its a great logo to begin with. I don’t know how accurate it is but(I will also link that article below) the Alpha logo has the coat of arms of a Italian family that had victories in the crusades. I always wondered about the Giant fish on Nokia's first iteration. Alpha Logo:http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_badge.shtml
In the early part of the 5th century AD a serpent that devoured humans was at large in the area around Milan and terrifying the local populous. It was slain by Ottoni Visconti and this heroic deed was celebrated as part of the coat of arms
-Wow....Rough times in 5th century Milan, eh?