Chevrolet Logo

The Chevrolet Logo: The "Bowtie" – A Symbol of Automotive History

The Chevrolet logo, commonly known as the "bowtie," is one of the most recognizable emblems in the automotive industry. This simple yet distinctive design has been a consistent identifier for the Chevrolet brand for over a century.

There are several theories about the origin of the bowtie logo:

• The Wallpaper Theory: The most popular theory suggests that William C. Durant, one of the founders of Chevrolet, was inspired by a wallpaper design he saw in a French hotel. He reportedly tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it, later using it as inspiration for the Chevrolet logo.

• The Newspaper Ad Theory: Another theory claims that Durant saw a similar design in a newspaper advertisement and was struck by its visual appeal.

• The "Coalettes" Theory: Durant's daughter, Margery Durant, wrote in her book My Father, that Durant sketched the design during a dinner, possibly inspired by a logo for "Coalettes" (a refined coal product).

Regardless of its exact origin, the bowtie logo was first used by Chevrolet in 1913 and has remained a constant symbol of the brand ever since. It has undergone minor refinements over the years, but the core design—a stylized cross or "plus" sign with elongated horizontal and vertical bars—has remained consistent.

The bowtie logo is a testament to the power of simple and effective design. Its enduring presence in the automotive world speaks to the company's long history and its continued presence in the global market.

• Company Origin: United States

• Website Category: Automotive, Cars, Trucks, SUVs

• Keywords: Chevrolet, logo, bowtie, car, truck, SUV, automotive, United States, William C. Durant, design, emblem, symbol