Chevrolet is a classic American car brand known for producing family-friendly vehicles, rugged pickup trucks, and stylish muscle and sports cars. Since its founding in 1911, Chevrolet has cemented a place in the history of American industry. With a long and rich legacy closely tied to American culture, there are many interesting facts to learn about the Chevrolet brand.
9 Chevrolet Facts
1. The first Chevrolet was the Series C Classic Six. (Source)
This first car was sold for $2,150. It was produced from 1911 to 1914 and was one of the only cars made while the race car driver and namesake, Louis Chevrolet, was still with the company.
2. The origin of the company’s logo is a mystery. (Source)
Chevy’s logo is pretty iconic and simple. It’s known as the “bowtie,” though others might think it resembles more of a cross. No one knows why this logo was chosen or what it means. Some believe founder William Durant saw this pattern on hotel wallpaper, while others claim he was inspired by something he saw in a newspaper ad.
3. Chevy claims to be the longest-running passenger car in history. (Source)
The ever-popular Corvette debuted in 1953, and new models are still being produced. It is clearly America’s preferred sports car.
4. The El Camino has made hundreds of film appearances. (Source)
Something about this muscle car has broad appeal to film directors and cinematographers who favor the Chevy El Camino so much that it’s appeared in hundreds of films from Straight Outta Compton to Anchorman to There’s Something About Mary.
5. Chevrolet created the first SUV. (Source)
Sports utility vehicles are a staple of American life, offering a balance of comfort, safety, and utility. The first SUV was created by Chevy in 1933 when they debuted the Chevrolet Suburban Carryall. You can still buy a Suburban to this day.
6. There is only one 1983 Corvette in existence. (Source)
Every year, a new Corvette is introduced, but in 1983, a quality control issue halted the release of the new Corvette. The issue took so long to correct that the 1983 model became the 1984 model. There is only one 1983 Corvette, and it can be seen at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
7. Chevrolet has a rich racing history. (Source)
With one of its founders being a race car driver, it’s no surprise that Chevy has achieved significant racing success, particularly with the Corvette, which has won the famous Daytona 500. Chevy is one of the most popular brands in NASCAR racing.
8. Chevy created a car inspired by the space race. (Source)
The Turbo Titan II featured a jet engine inspired by the mid-1960s space race. The vehicle featured “astronaut seats” and a unique steering wheel that captured the space age aesthetic. This model, however, never made it to production.
9. Chevy still has roots in Europe and became the first automotive sponsor of a U.K. Premier League football club. (Source)
Chevy sponsored Manchester United in 2012, a hugely popular team that earned Chevy more fans around the world.
Featured image photo credit: Raduz
