Car History Legends: Founder, Racer, and Auto Designer Louis Chevrolet
Louis Chevrolet’s story might not be as well known as other car history legends, but it proves to be just as interesting.
Written by Andrew Koole
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Anyone with a base knowledge of
car history
knows a thing or two about Henry Ford
. But the namesake of another classic car company—Chevrolet—remains mysterious for most.Louis Chevrolet’s story isn’t as much of a cookie-cutter example of the American dream, but it’s interesting nonetheless. Born in the northwest of Switzerland, he first moved to Canada before settling in New York in 1901.
Louis’ career also took a few twists and turns before he started his own automaking company. A race-car driver and designer first, his business eventually became an integral part in one of America’s largest auto brands—General Motors (GM).
Jerry
dug around to learn the rest of the story.Chevrolet’s namesake: Louis Chevrolet
Born in 1878, Louis Chevrolet’s love of mechanics started as he watched his father make and repair watches. His need for speed also began early as he got into bicycle racing.
His mechanical skills first brought him to Paris and then to Montreal, Quebec, Canada before he made his way to New York City. It was there that his race car driving career took off. He joined Buick’s team in 1909. Two years later, he founded his own company.
Besides starting Chevrolet, Louis also raced in the 1915
Indy 500
and started the Frontenac Motors Corporation, a race-car manufacturer and racing team, with his brothers Gaston and Arthur. In 1920, they won the AAA National Championship with one of their cars.Chevrolet’s role in General Motors
We know Chevy as a sub-brand of U.S. auto giant General Motors. But few people actually know how these brands ended up under one umbrella. Louis Chevrolet’s story puts the puzzle pieces together.
When he decided to start his own company using his family name, Louis needed financial support. He got it from his brother Arthur and two other
industry figures
, Buick founder William Durant, and Canadian entrepreneur Samuel McLaughlin. After a falling out with Durant in 1915, Louis teamed up exclusively with McLaughlin, merging his company with is Canadian business partner to create General Motors of Canada. By 1918, Durant had bought enough stocks to regain control of GM in both countries.
Can you own Louis Chevrolet’s Chevrolets?
The cars Louis Chevrolet helped design and build are now antiques. All race-car models, they are not street legal and belong in
car museums
. Owning a car like a Frontenac is not like owning any other classic car. One difference is the car insurance.
Classic car coverage
is designed for vehicles you intend to restore and show off, but also drive. One of Louis Chevrolet’s race cars would need to be insured based on agreed value.Have a question about your coverage? Jerry’s friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice on the best coverage options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you.
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