When did Chevy change their logo to black?
Chevrolet has not permanently changed its logo to black. The official bowtie emblem remains the gold (often with chrome) mark that has identified the brand for more than a century. Black versions do appear in limited contexts, such as special editions or accessorized builds, but they are not a company-wide rebranding.
A brief look at the bowtie’s history
The Chevrolet bowtie has been a central symbol of the brand since its introduction in 1913. Over the decades, it evolved in finish and detailing, typically appearing in gold with chrome accents on most production models. In recent years, Chevrolet has experimented with monochrome finishes in select contexts, but the gold bowtie remains the default emblem for standard production vehicles.
Here are the key moments in the emblem’s evolution, focusing on official usage and notable deviations from the standard gold bowtie.
- 1913: The bowtie is introduced as Chevrolet’s emblem, chosen to establish a distinct brand mark on early models.
- Mid- to late 20th century: The bowtie becomes the standardized emblem across Chevrolet’s lineup, with refinements in color and finish toward a gold-and-chrome look.
- Early 2000s: The badge is modernized with crisper lines and enhanced chrome to align with GM’s global branding updates.
- 2010s–present: Monochrome black bowtie variants appear in limited contexts (such as certain appearance packages, dealer-installed options, and official accessories) rather than replacing the gold emblem nationwide.
The practical effect is that Chevrolet continues to use the gold bowtie as the default emblem; black versions exist as optional or limited-use options rather than a formal, nationwide change.
Where you’ll see black emblems today
Black bowtie emblems have shown up in specific situations where a monochrome, stealthy look is desired. These occurrences are typically tied to styling packages, accessories, or marketing imagery rather than an across-the-board logo change.
- Limited edition or appearance packages on trucks and SUVs that feature a blackout styling option.
- GM/Chevrolet accessory catalogs or dealer-installed badges offered in black.
- Marketing imagery, merchandise, and social media where a monochrome look is used for stylistic purposes.
If you want a black emblem on a Chevy, it’s generally available as an aftermarket or optional accessory; the official brand emblem remains gold for standard production vehicles.
What buyers should know
How to verify authenticity
When purchasing a badge, check that you’re getting an authentic GM part or an officially licensed accessory. Genuine GM emblems will come with proper part numbers and sourcing from authorized dealers. Aftermarket black emblems may vary in finish, weight, and fit variability depending on the producer.
Replacing or removing a badge
Replacing a badge typically requires careful surface prep and proper adhesive or mounting hardware. For best results, consult official GM accessory catalogs or a trained installer to ensure a secure fit and clean appearance on your vehicle.
Summary
Chevrolet’s iconic bowtie has endured as the brand’s primary symbol since 1913. There has not been a permanent shift to a black logo; gold remains the default emblem for standard models. Black bowtie options exist in limited contexts—such as special editions and accessories—providing a temporary or stylistic alternative rather than a complete rebranding. For most Chevrolet owners, the gold bowtie is here to stay, with black variants available as optional touches.
Why are some Chevy logos black?
Some Chevy logos are black because it's a popular aesthetic option for a more modern or "blacked-out" look, often available as a paid upgrade on many models. The black bowtie can be standard on certain trims or part of an optional package, like the Redline Edition, and is also a very common aftermarket accessory that owners add to their vehicles.
- Aesthetic choice: The black logo provides a sleeker, more modern appearance that is popular with many customers. It's a cosmetic feature that complements other black or "blacked-out" trim on the vehicle.
- Optional package: Chevy offers the black bowtie as an option on many models, both as a standalone upgrade and as part of special packages, such as the Redline Edition. The black badge is also sometimes a standard feature on higher trim levels.
- Aftermarket accessory: Because of its popularity, many owners of older models or those who don't want the factory option will buy aftermarket black bowtie emblems or even paint the existing ones themselves.
- No deeper meaning: The black version has no specific significance beyond its appearance; it's a simple choice to replace the traditional gold emblem for cosmetic reasons.
What color is the Chevy symbol?
The standard Chevy logo is gold with a silver outline, a design introduced in 2011. However, different colors are used for various purposes, including a popular black version available as an option on many models and historic versions that have used blue, red, and white.
Common Chevy logo colors
- Gold and silver: This is the most current and recognizable version of the Chevy bowtie, with the gold symbolizing luxury and the silver frame adding to its metallic, modern look.
- Black: A popular alternative, the black bowtie is an aesthetic choice available as an option on many models. It first appeared on the 2016 Camaro and has since been offered on others.
- Historical colors: Over the years, Chevrolet has used other colors:
- Blue: Early logos were blue, sometimes with white letters, and later versions featured a blue emblem with a white frame.
- Red: During the muscle car era, some logos incorporated red, and a red wordmark was used with a blue logo in the 1980s.
- White: Some early versions featured a white logo on a dark background.
When did GM change its logo?
GM last changed its logo in January 2021, introducing a new design to signify its pivot to electric vehicles. This was the most significant update since 1964, with the new logo featuring a lowercase "gm" and a blue gradient, designed to be modern and evoke a focus on a sustainable future.
- When: January 8, 2021
- Why: To signal a major shift in the company's focus to electric vehicles
- Design details: The logo changed from its classic uppercase to a lowercase script. The "m" is styled to resemble an electrical plug, and the blue color evokes "clear skies of a zero-emissions future".
When did Chevy change their logo?
2013
In 2013, the Chevrolet logo featured a modernized, streamlined version of the golden bowtie. This design captured the brand's balance between heritage and progress, making it a fitting symbol for Chevrolet vehicles worldwide.
