Chevrolet History

Chevrolet was created by chance, due to financial negotiations that fell through. The founder of the company was a man named William Crapo Durant, who was affiliated at the time with General Motors. On behalf of GM, Durant went after Ford - which was, at the time, a somewhat financially unstable company. As a result, banks were unenthusiastic about providing Durant with the money needed to make the deal, and he found himself not only without Ford, but also kicked out of General Motors.

Durant wasn't discouraged, however. He teamed up with motorsports driver Louis Chevrolet and headed to Flint, Michigan, where he purchased Flint Wagon Works. Afterwards, Durant and Chevrolet brought Buick's engine builder Arthur C. Mason onboard with their project. Chevrolet Motor Company was incorporated shortly after on November 3rd, 1911. Some of the first Chevy models, still celebrated to this day, were the 1912 Classic Six (the first-ever production vehicle from the company), the 1914 Royal Mail roadster, and the 1914 Baby Grand. By 1916, Chevrolet had produced the Four-Ninety, a competitor for Ford's popular Model T.

Over the course of subsequent years, Chevrolet rapidly grew in popularity and success, becoming one of the most prosperous names in the industry. While we know General Motors today as the 'parent company' of Chevrolet, it was Chevy that purchased GM - not the other way around.

Chevy made a number of contributions in the industry over the years. In 1950, Chevrolet beat Ford and Plymouth as the first automaker to offer an automatic gearbox. Between the 50s, 60s, and 70s, famous nameplates like the Corvette, Impala, and Camaro made their way to production, leaving a lasting impression on the American people.

Today, Chevrolet offers a wide variety of vehicles belonging to different segments. However, they are all united under the same brand with that famous bowtie logo, which has come to symbolize a gold standard for quality and success in the auto industry. To get your own Chevy, stop by Glynn Smith Chevrolet in OPELIKA, AL!