How did Chevrolet get its name?

Chevrolet has been at the forefront of the American automobile industry for over a century. With decades of smart styling and state-of-the-art engineering, it’s no surprise the manufacturer has amassed a loyal fan base. If you’re eager to learn more about the beginnings of the historic Chevrolet brand, you’re in luck. Read on for Allen Turner Chevrolet’s breakdown of how Chevrolet got its name.

How Did Chevrolet Get Its Name?

You may affectionately refer to your Chevrolet vehicle as a “Chevy,” but the brand’s full name is a tribute to its rich history. If you’re a Chevrolet loyalist, you might be wondering where the name came from. Like many beloved brands, the Chevrolet name originates from one of its founders, Louis Chevrolet, who helped to establish the automobile company in 1911. Co-founder William Durant liked the melodic quality of Louis Chevrolet’s last name and suggested that they use it for their automobile brand.

Who Was Louis Chevrolet?

Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland in 1878. He spent much of his youth in France, even though Chevrolet is famous for its American roots, and most people associate him with the beloved car company. Before he lent his name to the brand, he was a decorated race car driver and auto mechanic. In his teens and early twenties, Chevrolet worked as a mechanic in auto shops in France and Canada, where he became a car expert. In 1901, he relocated to the United States to work for a car manufacturer in Brooklyn, where he further honed his mechanical skills.

During the following few years, Louis Chevrolet pivoted his interest from repairing cars to driving them. He launched his career as a race car driver and quickly emerged as a new talent. In Chevrolet’s very first race, he beat the famous driver, Barney Oldfield. Louis Chevrolet would go on to drive for FIAT and Buick, with whom he set records at major racetracks across the country. Louis Chevrolet met William Durant through racing. Together, they designed the very first Chevrolet vehicle.

The History of Chevrolet

William Durant was the founder of General Motors, which owned Buick. Louis Chevrolet, who was driving professionally for Buick at the time, started working with Durant to design new Buick cars. Louis Chevrolet’s design skills grew, and in 1911, he officially joined forces with Durant and his brother Arthur Chevrolet, who was also a race car driver, to start their own car company. The three paired up with the investors Dr. Edwin R. Campbell and William Little and established the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.

The Chevrolet Motor Car Company produced its first vehicle in 1912, which sold at a higher price than most of its competitors. In 1914, the company unveiled its iconic bowtie logo. Although Chevrolet historians aren’t sure exactly where the logo came from, there are several theories. One story claims Louis Chevrolet got inspiration for the bow tie logo from the design of the wallpaper at a Parisian hotel he visited. Others believe the logo resembles the the Swiss cross — a nod to the Chevrolet family’s Swiss heritage. Either way, the gold bowtie is now synonymous with Chevrolet vehicles.

Louis Chevrolet left the company in 1915 and sold his shares back to Durant. In 1917, the Chevrolet Motor Car Company became part of General Motors, which Durant still spearheaded. By the 1920s, Chevrolet was rapidly expanding. Although events such as the Great Depression and World War II presented challenges, the company recovered and saw landmark success in the latter half of the twentieth century.

In the 1950s, the organization introduced the Corvette, a stylish muscle car that quickly became an American favorite. Chevrolet still manufactures the Corvette today. In the late 50s, several Chevy models were so popular that they earned the nickname the “Hot Ones.” During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand continued to refine its vehicles’ styling and engineering. The pace car at the 1967 and 1969 Indianapolis 500 events was a Chevrolet Camaro, which was one of the brand’s most beloved models. Some classic car fans still collect Chevy models from this time.

Where to Find a Chevrolet in Okaloosa County

If you want to experience the best of Chevrolet engineering in and around Okaloosa County, Florida, then Allen Turner Chevrolet in Crestview, Florida, is ready to help. We have a large inventory of Chevrolet’s most beloved vehicles. If you need a powerful workhorse that’s perfect for any task, consider test-driving a new Silverado 1500. Alternatively, if you need a safe and spacious SUV to accommodate your growing family, you can explore our vast inventory of new Suburbans, which is a model that’s been delighting American families since 1935. The Suburban was the first SUV ever built, and its lasting popularity is a testament to its practicality.

We also carry the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, which are Chevrolet’s newest electric vehicles. With modern technology and functional styling, you can save money on gas and reduce your environmental impact. If you’re looking for an affordable option, feel free to peruse our inventory of dependable, used Chevrolet vehicles. We even offer budget-friendly vehicles under $10K from a variety of manufacturers, including Chevrolet.

With our expert technicians and authentic Chevrolet parts, it’s easier than ever to keep your Chevy in prime condition. Whether you need a routine oil change, tire rotation, or simply want someone you trust to check your car after a collision, our service center in Crestview, Florida, is your destination for fast, high-quality repairs and maintenance. You can schedule your service appointment online today.

There’s a reason why so many Americans have trusted Chevrolet for over a century. If you’re ready to find a reliable, powerful, and stylish new Chevrolet for sale that matches your budget and lifestyle, contact us at Allen Turner Chevrolet in Crestview, Florida. Our team of Chevrolet experts can answer your questions, schedule an appointment, explain our flexible financing options, and welcome you to the Chevy family. Our dealership is conveniently located in Crestview, Florida, near Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, and we ensure a stress-free car-purchasing experience. Give us a call today!

Image courtesy of Chevrolet.com