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autoevolution's Chevrolet Month

Whenever one says the word GM, the mind immediately generates the image of the Chevrolet bowtie. The American corporate behemoth, owner of more brands than we care to count, has become synonymous with this particular nameplate because, well, that was more or less the plan all along.

Today, Chevrolet is one of the most visible carmakers out there, and it is one of the most stable and widespread names in the auto industry. From the U.S to China and everywhere in between, there are bowties for every taste and pocket, just like intended.

We have the big Silverado pickups and the mighty Camaro, the iconic Corvette now with a mid-engine layout, the Suburban, the longest-running nameplate in automotive history, and many other perhaps less impressive nameplates, like the Trax, Sonic, or Bolt.

Chevrolet the carmaker was born 109 years ago out of the need of General Motors founder William Durant to get back in the corporate saddle after being removed in 1910. It came to be as Durant was beginning to dream a world where a car company could own more than just one marque, each with its own car lines, dreams and aspirations.

Durant set up the company together with Louis Chevrolet. The Swiss-born was at the time a driver for Buick, and a good one at that, as he caught Durant’s eye. The two quickly grew close together and, as was his habit with close friends, Durant soon decided to give Chevrolet his own car brand.

So, in November 1911 the Chevrolet Motor Car Company was born, and for a number of years it fought to make a name for itself. It quickly did and, using the new entity, Durant managed to buy his way back into GM in 1918 - only to be once again removed a year later.

But despite Durant’s problems, Chevy as it would become known, survived. After the executive’s second ousting, GM’s top brass decided to build "a car for every purse and purpose" under the Chevrolet name, and kick the hell out of Ford in the process. It is now when Chevrolet becomes General Motors’ main brand, a reality that survives to this day.

Since the story of Chevrolet began in a November more than a century ago, we decided to dedicate this month to the American brand, so stay tuned for a flood of stories with the carmaker, its cars, and its exploits at their core.

Editor's note: This special feature by autoevolution was not sponsored or supported by a third-party.
First-Year Chevrolet Camaro Dreams to Be an SS, Looks Retro with All the Rust
First-Year Chevrolet Camaro Dreams to Be an SS, Looks Retro with All the Rust

1 Nov 2020, 10:05 UTC · By: Bogdan Popa / A first-year Chevrolet Camaro is currently being auctioned off online, and the owner claims the car runs and drives just fine

 
Final C7 Chevrolet Corvette and First C8 in Canada Were Auctioned for Kids
Final C7 Chevrolet Corvette and First C8 in Canada Were Auctioned for Kids

1 Nov 2020, 09:35 UTC · By: Aurel Niculescu / GM Canada supported the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation by giving away all the proceeds from the live auction of the orange and red Corvettes

 
This 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Barn Find Comes with a Big Surprise on the Clock
This 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Barn Find Comes with a Big Surprise on the Clock

1 Nov 2020, 09:16 UTC · By: Bogdan Popa / This ’72 Chevrolet Chevelle that’s now listed for sale comes with a surprisingly-low mileage, and the owners claim it’s all original

 
Letty's Chevy Corvette Gets Restored, Is a Fate of the Furious Miniature
Letty's Chevy Corvette Gets Restored, Is a Fate of the Furious Miniature

31 Oct 2020, 20:01 UTC · By: Mihnea Radu / We're talking about the fire engine red Corvette from F8 that Letty chases Dom in, not to be confused with the silver one from the jump scene

 
Chevrolet Corvette C8 "Grip Monster" Rendering Has Fat Tires, Widebody to Match
Chevrolet Corvette C8 "Grip Monster" Rendering Has Fat Tires, Widebody to Match

31 Oct 2020, 16:49 UTC · By: Vlad Mitrache / Between the large wing at the back and those wider-than-life tires, this virtual rendition of a widebody Chevrolet Corvette C8 sure isn't short on grip

 
Lingenfelter C8 Corvette Previewed on the Track, Launching November 9th
Lingenfelter C8 Corvette Previewed on the Track, Launching November 9th

31 Oct 2020, 13:49 UTC · By: Mircea Panait / The Lingenfelter C8 Corvette is ready to pounce with a Corsa exhaust and headers as well as a Performance Design air intake

 
Chevrolet Performance Rolls Out L8T Cast-Iron Cylinder Block
Chevrolet Performance Rolls Out L8T Cast-Iron Cylinder Block

31 Oct 2020, 12:19 UTC · By: Mircea Panait / If you want more durability than an aluminum-block LS engine for your project car, Chevrolet Performance has got you covered with the cast-iron L8T