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They erect a statue in honor of Louis Chevrolet

A large metal sculpture has been inaugurated in the Swiss town of La Chaux-de-Fonds in honor of that great driver and car builder Louis Chevrolet. It is about his hometown, also known for being a watchmaking center.

This recognition is the culmination of a series of initiatives that have marked Chevrolet's centennial, which began in 2011.

For the gigantic head design the Chevrolet Centennial Artwork chose the Swiss artist Christian Gonzenbach, whose proposal was the winner before an international jury. Standing five meters tall, the spectacular sculpture has become the largest steel bust in Switzerland.

The presentation was attended by representatives of the city government and the American brand, as well as residents who live near Parc de l'Ouest, where the effigy was erected a few days ago. It is always good for Public Administrations to be aware of the value of Automotive History and for the community to enjoy its heritage.

The Louis Chevrolet sculpture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

However, following this news we will say that the history of the aforementioned Louis Chevrolet does not seem to have much to do with that of the house to which it gives its name. L. Chevrolet was first and foremost a driver, who became famous racing for Fiat and Buick in the United States before entering the automobile production business with William Crapo Durant, founder of General Motors, at the height of 1910.

Durant mainly wanted to make the new Chevrolet competition to Ford, while Chevrolet himself wanted to design and sell luxury cars. Thus, their partnership did not last more than two years, at which point the Swiss pilot left it to found a new breed of sports car -Frontenac- and run the Indianapolis 500.

The crisis of the thirties would end him, even forcing him to work as a mechanic satin for a season at his old company. He died alone and anonymously without anyone remembering his contributions.

Chevrolet has been and is currently the heart of General Motors, but history reveals that its origin is much more complex than officially disclosed and that its founding pioneer gave it little more than its name.

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Written by Johanna betermi

Johanna Betermi is a Dominican based in Madrid. He graduated in Social Communication from the Catholic University of Santo Domingo, later obtaining a state scholarship for academic excellence that allowed him to study the Master of Television Journalism ... Read more

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