Chevrolet
Chevrolet
On November 3, 1911, one of the most famous automobile brands was born, whose logo in the form of a bow tie is recognizable throughout the world - Chevrolet. The name of the company was the name of its founder, the racing driver Louis Chevrolet. But not only Chevrolet stood at the origins of a company named after itself. She would not have been born at all, if not for William Krapo Durant, a car tycoon, stock player, optimist and adventurer, who seemed to have come down from the pages of the novels by Dreiser and Fitzgerald about the cruel capitalist world of Chistoghan. "Local Napoleon" - this is the name of Durant in the Michigan town of Flint. A man who, according to the memoirs of one of his contemporaries, "wore a soft glove on a steel hand."
Louis chevrolet
Louis-Joseph Chevrolet (1878–1941) was born in Switzerland, emigrated to America, where he became famous as a racer of the factory team Buick. Repeatedly won the Vanderbilt Cup - one of the most prestigious US prizes. At Chevrolet, he did not work long, returning to motorsport. The 1929 crisis bankrupted his racing car company and Chevrolet returned to the Chevrolet factory, but Louis-Joseph Chevrolet (1878–1941) was born in Switzerland as an ordinary mechanic and emigrated to America, where he became famous as a racer of the Buick factory team. Repeatedly won the Vanderbilt Cup - one of the most prestigious US prizes. At Chevrolet, he did not work long, returning to motorsport. The 1929 crisis bankrupted his racing car company, and Chevrolet returned to the Chevrolet factory, but as a regular mechanic
In 1908, Durant founded General Motors Corporation, which brought together a dozen automotive companies such as Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland, Elmore and others, and a dozen manufacturers of spare parts and accessories, but three years later the corporation began to incur losses, and a group of shareholders suspended Durant from the leadership.
William C. Durant
William Krapo Durant (1861–1947) was born in Boston, from an early age went to work - first at a sawmill, and then sold cigars. In 1886, he founded the Flint Road Cart Company, a carriage manufacturing company, which quickly became a leader in the field. Since 1904, he was first managing director, and then co-owner of Buick. In 1908 he founded General Motors, after the final departure from which he established Durant Motors - this corporation went bankrupt in 1936. William Krapo Durant (1861-1947) was born in Boston, from an early age went to work - first at a sawmill, and then sold cigars. In 1886, he founded the Flint Road Cart Company, a carriage manufacturing company, which quickly became a leader in the field. Since 1904, he was first managing director, and then co-owner of Buick. In 1908 he founded General Motors, after the final departure from which he established Durant Motors - this corporation went bankrupt in 1936
MOVING DAY
Having lost even the right to vote on the board of directors of General Motors, Durant left him the founded corporation, but only in order to return there after a short period of time. The beginning of the return was impressive - he founded several automobile companies at once: Mason Motor Car Company and Little Motor Car Company. And on November 3, 1911, the Chevrolet Motor Car Company appeared. In 1913, Durant gathered all three disparate firms into a single concern, and now revenues began to grow with incredible speed - this allowed him to begin buying up GM shares. A fantastically adventurous trick was the announcement that Durant exchanges five shares of the highly profitable Chevrolet for one share of General Motors, whose holders are already tired of waiting for dividends.
Chevrolet Series C Classic Six
1911 The first-born of the brand - Chevrolet Series C Classic Six - turned out to be sophisticated not American-style and outwardly looked like expensive European models of Metallurgique and Austro-Daimler 1911. The first-born of the brand - Chevrolet Series C Classic Six - turned out not American-style refined and outwardly frankly looked like expensive European models by Metallurgique and Austro-Daimler
On September 16, 1915, William Krapo Durant showed up at the GM shareholders meeting. “Gentlemen,” he said quietly, “now I head this company!” That day, many GM managers had to part with their homes … Some wanted to leave themselves, for example, Walter Percy Chrysler, but Durant, who appreciated him highly, offered half a million annual salary if he agrees to stay for another three years. Durant himself, by 1916, transformed the GM top shareholder into the supreme authority of the corporation, and himself appointed him president.
1914
1914. A model with an index of 490, denoting its value in dollars, ushered in the era of competition between Chevrolet and Ford - this process continues with varying success to this day. 1914. A model with an index of 490, denoting its value in dollars, ushered in an era of competition for Chevrolet and Ford - this process continues with varying success to this day
With the return of Durant, new additions have appeared in the GM family. First of all, of course, Chevrolet - the company became part of the corporation in 1918. In addition to component suppliers, the Guardian Frigerator Company, a manufacturer of refrigeration equipment, is also acquired! “I don’t see any particular differences between the car and the refrigerator,” Durant told members of GM’s board of directors, “both are just a box with a motor.”
1918
1918. Appeared in 1918, a Chevrolet with a V8 engine cost two and a half copies of the cheapest model - 1385 dollars. Few companies in 1918 produced cars with such a number of cylinders in those years. The Chevrolet with a V8 engine that appeared in 1918 cost as much as two and a half copies of the cheapest model - $ 1, 385. Few companies produced cars with so many cylinders in those years.
But, like all people, Durant tended to make mistakes. So, he believed that the post-war consumer boom would last forever, and therefore acquired even smaller firms, spending a lot of money on it. After a couple of years, GM was sold to pay off debts. On November 30, 1920, Durant left GM forever, having done this without too much fuss and noise - he closed his travel bag, put on his hat and said with a smile on his face: “Today is the day of moving.”
1926
1926 From $ 510 to $ 765, the price of a Chevrolet model in 1926 fluctuated. A color advertising poster from Country Life magazine called cars of this brand solid, reliable and easy to drive in 1926. The price of a Chevrolet model in 1926 fluctuated from $ 510 to $ 765. A color advertising poster from Country Life magazine called the cars of this brand solid, reliable and easy to drive.
FOR $ 5 LESS
The emblem in the form of a bow tie first appeared in 1914 on the Series H four-cylinder model - Durant considered it the main competitor of Ford T. According to legend, Durant first saw this pattern on the wallpaper in a Paris hotel, was impressed by its simplicity and genius so much that it even cut a piece to your memory. But the main competitor of the Ford T was the 490 series, which was launched in 1915 - the price of $ 490 was encrypted in its index, which was $ 5 less than the price of Ford.
1927
1927 "Beautiful appearance combined with good economy." In 1927, the chassis was sold for $ 395, and for 755 a wagon with a carrying capacity of one ton of 1927 was sold. "Beautiful appearance combined with good economy." In 1927, a chassis was sold for $ 395, and a one-ton wagon was sold for $ 755.
Then other Chevrolet models competed with the same Ford T. Nevertheless, the present gift for GM was the cessation of Ford production in 1927 and the subsequent decline in production caused by the Ford A assembly line. Chevrolet sales soared at that time.
1928
1928. The 500, 000 figure does not apply to all Chevrolet vehicles manufactured in 17 years (since 1911), but only to those assembled at the Janesville factory in Wisconsin 1928. The 500, 000 figure does not apply to all Chevrolet cars manufactured over 17 years (since 1911), but only to those that were assembled at the factory in the town of Janesville, Wisconsin
MORE AND BETTER
But in 1928, competition intensified even more - the third player appeared in the US market in the face of the newly formed brand Plymouth, owned by Chrysler Corporation. In 1924, former GM manager Walter Percy Chrysler founded his own automobile company, and then an entire corporation. Now Plymouth, Ford and Chevrolet have come to be referred to as the "Low Price Three." Already in 1929, the six-cylinder Chevrolet model fell sharply and was advertised as "six for the price of four." In 1930, Chevrolet sold a seven millionth car. Then the slogan “Great Value” appeared in the brand’s advertisement. An independent suspension appeared in the front suspension of Chevrolet cars instead of springs and beams - after a couple of years this will become the standard for all American cars, and only the stubborn Henry Ford will cling to his transverse spring.
1935
1935 Advertising of the 1935 Chevrolet Master Six De Luxe Sport Sedan of 1935 focuses not on the low price, but on the highest quality 1935 Advertising on the 1935 Chevrolet Master Six De Luxe Sport Sedan of 1935 focuses not on the low price, but on the highest quality
1936 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall
1936 This is how Suburban looked in 1935 - for the first time American families received a large and roomy car, the popularity of which turned out to be so high that a model with the same name is produced today 1936. So Suburban looked in 1935 - for the first time American families received a large and roomy a car whose popularity turned out to be so high that a model with the same name is produced today
The main competitor Chevrolet in the 30s decided to play on another - there was a not very expensive Ford V8 with a capacity of 87 hp, but the model was created in a hurry and was not devoid of birth defects. The "Six" from Chevrolet, on the contrary, was simple and reliable - a cast-iron block and nothing more. Chevrolet came out the winner - buyers had little trust in the Ford V8. The annual circulation of models exceeded half a million cars - without a Chevrolet there would have been no GM, since due to the huge circulation this division pulled out the remaining branches of the concern. Finally, in the post-crisis years, the eight-seater Suburban appeared - a new class of universal passenger cars. A model with this name has been produced from 1935 to the present day, breaking all records of longevity.
1942
1942 The last “peaceful” Chevrolet model year - in 1942, a conservative-looking Fleetline Sportmaster sedan was offered, and the more streamlined one with a Fleetline Aerosedan roof that fell backwards. 1942 The last “peaceful” Chevrolet model year - in 1942, a conservative view of the Fleetline Sportmaster sedan, and more streamlined with a Fleetline Aerosedan drop-down roof
In 1941, Chevrolet released a record number of cars and trucks - 1.6 million. With the outbreak of war, the production of models for the civilian population was stopped. Capacities were thrown at the military needed - shell shells, anti-aircraft guns, aircraft engines and, of course, cars. Chevrolet trucks fought on all fronts, including the Soviet Union, where they were supplied under Lend-Lease.
1944
1944. During the war, Chevrolet worked exclusively for the defense industry, releasing 4x4, 4x4 and 6x6 trucks, which were delivered to the army of all countries of the anti-Hitler coalition 1944. During the war, Chevrolet worked exclusively for the defense, releasing trucks with the 4x4 wheel arrangement, 4x4 and 6x6, which were supplied to the army of all countries of the anti-Hitler coalition
In the first post-war years, the 1942 models rolled off the assembly line, but already in 1950 the department presented a novelty - the Bel Air model with a hardtop. At the same time, an automatic gearbox appeared - a two-stage Powerglide. In 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette, America’s first mass-produced sports car, was launched. 1958 marked the birth of the Impala model, combining the dimensions of a luxurious Cadillac with an affordable Chevrolet price. The following year, the first El Camino pickup truck appeared. Then, in the 50s, GM's market share for the first time and once in its history exceeded 50% - it would be unlikely that such an achievement would have been possible without a Chevrolet branch.
1950 year
1953
1953 Chevrolet Corvette - the first American sports car, which with its appearance opened a new class of cars. Since 1953, the Corvette has survived several generations, the current one is the sixth in 1953. The Chevrolet Corvette is the first American sports car to open a new class of cars with its appearance. Since 1953, Corvette has survived several generations, the current one is already the sixth
1955
1955 In the mid-50s, Bel Air received a new platform with a lowered frame, which allowed us to create a low and wide body with panoramic windows that had nothing to do with previous Chevrolet models. 1955. In the mid-50s, Bel Air received a new platform with lowered frame, which allowed to create a low and wide body with panoramic windows, which has nothing to do with previous Chevrolet models
1957
1957 From 1950 to 1952, the name Bel Air was used to designate the hardtops of the Styleline Deluxe, and from 1953 it became the name of an independent model - the most expensive and well-equipped 1957. From 1950 to 1952, the name Bel Air was used to denote the hardtops of the model Styleline Deluxe, and since 1953 it became the name of an independent model - the most expensive and well-equipped
1958
In 1958, the Bel Air Impala equipment appeared, which since 1959 became a separate Impala model - a notch higher than Bel Air. Until 1965, it was the most expensive passenger Chevrolet. In 1958, the Bel Air Impala equipment appeared, which since 1959 became a separate Impala model - a notch up the Bel Air. Until 1965, it was the most expensive Chevrolet passenger car.
1959
1959 El Camino - presented at the beginning of the 60s. Utah is called the Coupé utility pick-up - a 1959 passenger car with an open cargo platform. El Camino - presented in the early 60s. Utah called Coupé utility pick-up - a passenger car with an open cargo platform
1962
1962 The compact Nova model was produced from 1962 to 1979. Over the course of its release, it was repeatedly modernized, the body changed several times, but all the series released were united by the technological continuity of 1962. The compact Nova model was produced from 1962 to 1979. Over the course of its release, it was repeatedly modernized, the body changed several times, but all the released series were united by technological continuity
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window
1963 Sting Ray - "electric ramp." The model was created by William Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, who previously worked on the Ford Mustang Boss - a competitor to the 1963 Camaro and Corvette. Sting Ray - "electric ramp." The model was created by William Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, who previously worked on the Ford Mustang Boss - a competitor to Camaro and Corvette
1965
1965 In the mid-60s, the luxury Impala Caprice was offered - a four-door hardtop aimed against the Ford Galaxie. 1965. In the mid-60s, the luxury Impala Caprice was offered - a four-door hardtop aimed at the Ford Galaxie.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS
1966 Camaro appeared as a response to the Ford Mustang. The name has become a slang interpretation of the word camarade - friend or comrade. Managers joked that Camaro is a small, evil animal that feeds on 1966 Mustangs. Camaro appeared as a response to the Ford Mustang. The name has become a slang interpretation of the word camarade - friend or comrade. Managers joked that kamaro is a small evil animal that feeds on mustangs
1970
1971 The Monte Carlo model appeared in 1970 and was produced until 2007 - during this time six generations were replaced. At first, the coupe was rear-wheel drive with a V8 engine, but since 1995 it has acquired a Lumina platform with a V6 engine and front axle in 1971. The Monte Carlo model appeared in 1970 and was produced until 2007 - during this time six generations were changed. At first, the coupe was rear-wheel drive with a V8 engine, but since 1995 it has found a Lumina platform with a V6 engine and a front drive axle
1982
1982 Chevrolet Cavalier - a middle-class representative, manufactured from 1982 to 2005 and becoming one of the most popular cars in the USA during the entire production of the 1982 model. Chevrolet Cavalier - a middle-class representative, manufactured from 1982 to 2005 and becoming one of the most popular cars in the USA throughout the entire production model
1983
1983 was marked by the beginning of the release of the leader of all-wheel drive cars - the Chevrolet Blazer S-10 model, combining the qualities of an SUV and a city car 1983 was marked by the beginning of the release of the leader of all-wheel drive cars - the Chevrolet Blazer S-10 model, combining the qualities of an SUV and city car
1995
1995 The full-size Tahoe SUV grew out of the four-door Blazer, which appeared in 1994, and got its new name a year later 1995. The full-size Tahoe SUV grew out of the four-door Blazer, which appeared in 1994, and got its new name a year later
2002
2002. Compact Chevrolet Niva SUV - the fruit of the joint venture GM-AvtoVAZ. The model marked the beginning of GM’s expansion into the Russian market in 2002. The compact Chevrolet Niva SUV is the fruit of GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture. The model was the beginning of GM's expansion into the Russian market
World future
Chevrolet celebrates its centennial not as an American brand, but with a burden of responsibility and honors from a huge global brand. Models with the emblem so familiar to earthlings are developed and sold on all continents. The freshest novelty is the Colorado pickup truck, designed in Brazil and put on the conveyor in Thailand. Finally, ecology. Over the next 100 years under this brand, we will see a lot of electric vehicles - from the already produced Volt to the serial version of the experimental EN-V testicle.
Chevrolet centennial
