When was the Chevrolet logo created?
The Chevrolet logo, known as the bowtie, was created in 1913.
Beyond that date, the emblem's origin is a mix of official history and lore. Chevrolet introduced the bowtie in 1913 as part of its branding, but the designer’s identity has never been publicly confirmed. Over more than a century, the symbol has endured with only stylistic refinements, while preserving its distinctive silhouette.
Origins of the Bowtie
What follows summarizes what is known, what is debated, and what folklore surrounds the logo's creation.
- 1913: The bowtie first appeared in Chevrolet branding and advertising, establishing a distinctive mark for the brand.
- Designer attribution is uncertain: Chevrolet has not publicly named a single individual as the creator, and historical accounts vary.
- Popular anecdotes cite inspiration from a hotel wallpaper pattern and other stories, but none have been conclusively verified by primary sources.
- The emblem has remained a core element of Chevrolet’s identity for more than a century, with refinements in color and presentation rather than a change to the basic shape.
Despite the lack of a publicly confirmed designer, the year 1913 is widely accepted as the birth of Chevrolet's bowtie emblem.
Design details and branding evolution
Since its inception, the bowtie has been adapted to fit evolving brand guidelines and vehicle designs. The form—an angular, symmetrical bowtie with a central notch—has remained recognizable, while color schemes and finishes have varied, from classic gold tones on early models to flatter, more versatile renditions used in modern marketing and digital media.
Summary: The Chevrolet bowtie was created in 1913 and has endured as a defining symbol of the brand, with ongoing but largely cosmetic refinements and a history of attribution that remains contested.
How did Chevy come up with their logo?
The origin of the Chevy bowtie emblem is a mystery, but several theories exist, all pointing to co-founder William C. Durant as the source. Some say he was inspired by a design seen on wallpaper at a Parisian hotel or in a newspaper ad. Other accounts suggest he doodled it at the dinner table or that it was inspired by the Southern Compressed Coal Company's logo.
- Parisian hotel wallpaper: The New York Times reports that Durant based the logo on wallpaper he saw at a hotel in Paris.
- Newspaper ad: Another theory, mentioned by The Florida Times-Union and Miami Lakes Automall, is that Durant saw a similar bowtie design in a newspaper advertisement while on vacation.
- Dinner table doodling: According to his daughter, Margery, William Durant would doodle nameplate designs on paper at the dinner table.
- Southern Compressed Coal Company logo: A 2016 article by Camaros of Michigan investigated a possible link between the Chevy logo and an older logo from the Southern Compressed Coal Company, which used a slanted bowtie shape.
- Swiss flag: The logo has also been linked to the Swiss flag, as Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland.
When was the Chevy logo made?
1913
Since its first appearance in 1913, the Chevy logo has changed over time. Early versions featured bold, blocky letters inside the bowtie. Later designs refined the look, adding chrome and gold. Today's emblem keeps that same spirit, seen proudly on models like the 2025 Silverado 1500 and the 2025 Equinox.
Why is the Chevy logo gold?
1940s–1960s: Designers started experimenting with bolder colors, chrome accents, and stronger outlines to match Chevrolet's expanding lineup of cars and trucks. 1970s–1990s: The gold bowtie became standard, giving the brand a consistent, premium look that drivers could trust and easily identify from a distance.
What does the bowtie symbol mean?
A bow tie can symbolize individuality and confidence, as it is a more unconventional and attention-grabbing accessory than a standard necktie. It is also associated with intelligence, sophistication, and formality, especially in academic or professional settings, and can convey a professorial or distinguished air.
Symbolism of the bow tie
- Individuality and confidence: Wearing a bow tie often signals a willingness to stand out and be different. It suggests a confident embrace of a unique style.
- Intelligence and sophistication: Due to its association with formal wear and intellectuals, a bow tie can suggest intelligence and sophistication. It is a standard for certain events, like a "black tie" dress code, and can be associated with professions like academics or law.
- Formality and tradition: Bow ties have a long history and are a staple of formal attire, particularly for events like weddings or galas. They can be seen as a symbol of classic style and tradition.
- Eccentricity: While it can be a sign of sophistication, the bow tie is sometimes also associated with eccentricity, similar to a "nerd" or "professorial" look, as seen with characters like Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory.
- Southern charm: In certain contexts, a bow tie is seen as a symbol of Southern elegance and grace.
- Power: Historically, ties and other neckwear have symbolized rank, and today a bow tie can project an image of power and leadership.
