10 Surprising Facts you Didn’t Know About Chevrolet

At Smith Chevy of Lowell, we are fascinated by all things Chevrolet. There is no detail or fun and interesting facts about Chevrolet that we don’t want to know. Here is a list we put together of Chevy fun facts that you may or may not have known. Enjoy and stay safe at home and on the road!

1. The Bow Tie Logo Inspired by Wallpaper (or not)

William C. Durrant co-founded the Chevrolet motor company along with automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet. This was in 1911. Two years later the company adopted the iconic bow tie logo which Durant says was inspired by the pattern on some hotel wallpaper. His wife on the other hand suggests that Durant actually “borrowed” the concept from an existing company in the coal industry.

2. The Space Race

In the mid-1960s, the space race was in full force and anything having to do with it was very popular with the general public. This is no doubt what inspired Chevy to introduce the Turbo Titan II concept. The vehicle has “astronaut seats” and a dial steering wheel. The car ran on a gas turbine engine which eventually ran afoul of clean air initiatives and the project was scrapped.

3. Vertical Shipping Saved Space

When Chevy began shipping out the Vega in the 1970s they came up with the great space-saving idea of shipping the subcompact vertically instead of horizontally!

4. Louis Chevrolet Left the Company after 3 Years

The man who gave Chevrolet its name (Louis Chevrolet, in case you were wondering where did the Chevrolet name come from?) was only with the company for three years. You might say the breakup was caused by creative differences. Louis had a vision of making high-end cars while Durant wanted to focus on affordable vehicles. (See number 7 on this list to find out who had the right idea)

5. The Camaro Was Almost a Panther

The original Chevy Camaro, which debuted in a run of 50 cars in 1967, was called Black Panther. In the charged political climate of the late 1960s, the company felt that it would be too confusing to the public and the Camaro moniker was adopted instead.

6. Chevy Made the First SUV

We’re pretty proud of this one. The first SUV on the market, way back in 1933 with the Chevrolet Suburban Carryall. A few years later the Suburban had removable seats and extra cargo and passenger space. Not much has changed there.

7. The First Chevy Model was a Flop

The Chevrolet Classic Six was one of the few models produced during Louis Chevrolet’s time at the company. Designed to rival the Model T Ford the car was priced out of the range of most Americans. It did not sell well at all. It looks like Durant and a better grasp of what the public wanted.

8. The 1978 Corvette Looked Good In Black-And-White

Two 1978 Chevrolet Corvettes were produced to celebrate the Corvette’s 25th anniversary. Painted black and white, the car was used as a pace car in the Indy 500. The two colors were separated by a red stripe.

9. Production of Civilian Vehicles Halted During World War II

Chevrolet stopped producing civilian vehicles during WWII so they could help the war effort. Converting their plant allowed them to build T-17 Staghound armored scout cars as well as airplane engines and more.

10. The 2006 Silverado Intimidator SS is Super Rare

The 2006 Silverado was a special edition truck that honored race car driver Dale Earnhardt who died on the racetrack during the 2001 Daytona 500. Chevrolet only released 1,333 of this edition featuring logos and mementos of Dale.

Now that you know everything about Chevrolet cars come and talk to us about your next Chevy. You’ll find us as 700 W. Commercial Ave. in Lowell, IN. Call us at (219) 552-8041.