The history of the development of the automobile is directly related to the history of mankind. Interestingly, as soon as man began to take the first steps in automobile construction, he immediately made a breakthrough in his development. This relationship is very clearly traced over the past century and a half. The automobile has evolved from a self-propelled steam wagon into an environmentally friendly new-age device with new types of environmentally friendly forms of energy. Initially, the issue of creating an automobile attracted the attention of many engineers, advanced people, and just lovers of everything new and perfect. This led to the fact that over time, especially in the early 20th century, many companies worldwide became interested in this topic, leading to many automobile brands that sought to distinguish their products from similar ones.
What automobile brands begin with the letter C?
Throughout the history of the automobile industry, many automobile brands begin with the letter “C”. It is almost impossible to list all of them in a single question in a nutshell. Here are just a few particularly popular ones – Cadillac, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and Citroën. Among the C names, there are many leading manufacturers operating today and famous brands of the past that are now milestones of history.
The main criterion, of course, was the best performance, followed by comfort and design, which, in today’s world, has come to the forefront of importance. As a result, over the years of development of automobile production, many brands could not withstand competition or difficult economic and political conditions and ceased to exist; others became part of more successful ones, and the third on this wave of vacant places decided to start trying their luck in this field. All this led to the fact that not hundreds, but even a few thousand automobile brands have left or continue to leave their mark in the history of the world automobile industry, many of which are lost in the “wilds” of history.
Today, it is an important task to be able to gather all the available information, to group it, sorting it neatly by year of formation, country of creation, significance in the development of the world automobile industry, and the alphabet of the brand name for ease of search and use. It is important for those engaged in the history of the automobile industry and mankind, specialists developing new technologies, motorists, professionals and amateurs, collectors, and those who want to increase their intellectual level. And especially for those who are going to buy an automobile. In the latter case, the choice is particularly influenced by the brand, which helps you choose, including information about its history and technology, arranged alphabetically. So, if you choose the letter “C,” many brands are historically known for their quality and aesthetics, including “maestros” such as Cadillac and Citroën, Chrysler, and Chevrolet. All that remains is to match the size of your wallet with the actual cost of the car to make the right choice for your life.
Cadillac
One of the first automobile manufacturers in the world was Cadillac. Founded in 1902 by Leland Henry and Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan, USA, it is second only to the American GM Buick. The brand immediately chose premium cars as its production focus. In 1909, General Motors took notice of the successful business and made the founders a favorable offer by acquiring it. The brand kept its name and focused on the wealthy consumer, producing luxury, expensive, high-quality cars.
Callaway
Callaway Cars Inc. is an American automobile manufacturing and engineering company founded by Reeves Callaway in 1977 and based in Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States. The company designs and builds projects and kits for various cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. The brand specializes in Corvettes and GM. Packages and components are installed directly at the factory, where the new GMs are finished. The models are marketed under the Callaway TM. Today, the brand is represented by Callaway Cars, Callaway Engineering, Callaway Carbon, and Callaway Competition.
Calcott Brothers
Calcott, a small English automaker, began in 1886 as a bicycle manufacturer. Founded in Coventry by the Calcott brothers, who gave the brand its name, the company began producing bicycles in 1904, moved to motorcycles, and in 1913, to cars. – to automobiles. Before its closure and sale to Singer in 1926, preceded by the death of James Calcott in 1924, the company produced 2,500 cars, the most famous of which is the 1921 convertible with a ten-horsepower engine.
Caparo Vehicle Technologies (CVT)
In 2006, Caparo Vehicle Technologies (CVT) emerged from Freestream, an advanced automotive and aerospace technology company in Britain. Graham Halstead and Ben Scott-Geddes, both McLaren F1 engineers, founded the primary organization. In 2006, Caparo bought it, which gave it its current name. Sean Butcher financed the deal. In the same year, the brand introduced the Caparo T1 sports car. In 215, it was placed into receivership and disbanded as early as 2019.
Carbon Motors Corporation
Carbon Motors Corporation is an automotive brand founded in 2003 by Stacey Dean Stevens and William Santana Lee in Los Angeles, California, to develop and produce a specialized police car. Attempts to obtain funding from public services to continue development using current technology resulted in delayed decisions and the inability to proceed. The plant was dismantled in the spring of 2013, and production was completely shut down. In May 2013, the brand practically ceased to exist.
Carlsson Autotechnik
Carlsson Autotechnik is the world’s leading tuning and styling company for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It was founded in 1989 by Rolf Hartge and Andreas Hartge and is now headquartered in Merzig, Germany. The company moved to the latter location in 1994 when it bought the Guth Weisehoff estate. The brand creates new products every year. It regularly presents supercars at the Frankfurt and Essen Motor Show. Among the leading novelties of the brand are the Carlsson SL 65 AMG Roadster, Carlsson CK63 RS, and Carlsson CGL. The company has a developed dealer network and produces up to 120 cars annually.
Carrozzeria Castagna
Carrozzeria Castagna, an Italian company producing car bodies, was founded in 1849 by Carlo Castagna in Milan, Kingdom of Lombardy-Venezia. The founder acquired the Ferrari bodywork company and built a touring car – the Benz ATV. The brand was closed in 1954, but two attempts were made to revive it in the 1990s. In 1994, the name was bought by Uberto Petra and Gioacchino Acampora. Recent works include subcompact models and a car reimagined from the Fiat 500 and Mini. The Castagna Imperial Landaulet and Castagna Aznom luxury sports cars are produced today.
Casalini
The automobile brand, founded by Italian Giovanni Casalini in 1939 under his name – Casalini, in Piacenza (Italy), is the oldest manufacturer of microcars in the country. It produces mopeds and microcars on three- and four-wheeled bases. Modern models are distinguished by using modern high-strength polymer based on reinforced fiberglass in the body’s production. The first three-wheeled microcar – Sulky – was produced in 1969. It was intended for driving without a license. In 1994, the first Kore 500 ATV was released. The Sulkycar truck and the 2011 Casalini M10 Daytona three-door microcar are popular.
Caterham
Caterham Cars is a British sports car and car parts company founded in 1963 in Caterham, Surrey, England, by Graham Nairn. The company provided dealership services for Lotus Cars until 1973, being the exclusive representative for Lotus Seven from 1967. In 1973, the brand bought the rights to the model. Its first car was a replica of the third series called the Caterham 7. Since 1987, production has moved to Dartford (Kent, England). In 2011, it became a subsidiary of the Caterham Group.
Chadwick Engineering Works
In 1904, designer Lee Sherman Chadwick of Searchmont Motor Company founded the Fairmount Engineering Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to design bodies. He moved to Pottstown in 1907 and renamed the company Chadwick Engineering Works. From 1904 to 1916, Sherman Chadwick was in the automobile business, building about 300 automobiles. The company closed in 1924. In 1960, an attempt was made to revive the brand and create a two-seat roadster with a doorless body based on a high-strength modern composite polymer made of reinforced fiberglass.
Chalmers Motor Company
Chalmers Motor Company is an American automobile brand founded by Hugh Chalmers in 1908, based in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Its products were expensive luxury cars produced under this brand before its merger with Chrysler in 1923. The year the brand was founded, the first Chalmers 30 model was produced, based on the Chalmers-Detroit Motor Company. The car proved successful, generating sales of 3,047 cars in its first year. In 1911, the company was ranked 8th among American automakers. In 1915, the company was renamed Chalmers Motor Car Corporation. In the early 1920s, the company merged with Maxwell Motor Company.
Chevrolet
One of the most famous and popular American automakers is Chevrolet, founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, an engineer and auto racer, and General Motors owner William Durant. The founders included investors William Little and Edwin Campbell. Today, the company is an independent subsidiary of General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, USA. In Europe, the brand officially appeared in 2005. Daewoo is marketed under its brand name. After 2015, the brand’s marketing in Europe is gradually phased out.
Chrysler
The Chrysler brand, an American luxury car manufacturer, was founded in 1924 by Walter Percy Chrysler, who reorganized three companies. Chalmers Motor, Maxwell Motor, and Willis-Overland became the foundation of Chrysler, and the brand’s first automobile was produced that year. The purchase of Dodge in 1928 brought the brand to the leaders of the American auto industry. Since 2014, the brand has been controlled by the Italian company Fiat. Today, the brand’s headquarters are located in the UK, the USA, and the Netherlands, where the headquarters of the united company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is located.
Cisitalia
The name of the automobile brand – Cisitalia- immediately indicates its nationality. The Italian company was founded in 1946 by Piero Dusio in Turin (Italy) based on the conglomerate Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia. The brand is known as a manufacturer of racing and sports cars. The first model was the D46, based on the Fiat city car. The company’s famous product was the 1946 Cisitalia 202 GT, nicknamed the rolling sculpture. Having created more than 22 models, among which many race winners, the brand went bankrupt in 1963.
Citroën
The Citroën car brand is a well-known representative of the French car industry. It was founded in 1919 by André Citroën to produce inexpensive cars affordable to most people. Today, after creating the PSA Peugeot Citroën concern in 1976, the company’s headquarters is in Paris on the Rue de la Fructidor. The brand’s revolutionary model was the 1934 Traction Avan. It became very popular as the first all-wheel drive car and was produced for 23 years. However, the high production cost led to the company’s bankruptcy, which was bought out by Michelin, keeping its trademark.
Cizeta
Italian Claudio Zampolli, the father of disc jockey Giorgio Moroder, founded the company in 1988 in Modena, Italy. The brand’s name was based on Claudio Zampolli’s initials, CZ. The only product of their joint venture was the Cizeta-Moroder V16T model with a 16-cylinder transverse engine. The body, designed by Marcello Gandini, resembled late versions of the Lamborghini Diablo. Moroder left the company in 1990. The brand was closed in 1994, having managed to produce eight cars, and three more were released under the brand name in 1999 and 2003. After the bankruptcy, Zampolli moved to the United States, founding Cizeta Automobili USA in Fountain Valley, California.
Continental
In 1955, the Lincoln division created the Continental division to create premium, luxury, and expensive products. The name was an homage to the Lincoln Continental of the 1930s. During its two years of existence, the Continental Mark II was assembled by hand, becoming the most expensive American automobile ever. In 1956, the brand became an equal part of Ford Motor Company and remained there for a year. In 1961, the brand was closed. The expensive Continental Mark II made a loss of $1,000 each time but raised Ford’s image high.
Cooper Car Company
The Cooper Car Company, a British automobile brand incorporated in 1947, started a year earlier. Its founders, father and son Charles and John Cooper, began assembling cars in 1946 in a garage in Surbiton. They developed a new form of Formula 1. The car with the engine located at the rear became particularly popular. This model was built in the late 50s and into the 60s. The peak of popularity of the brand came in 1959-1960. At this time, Bruce McLaren and Jack Brabham won two Formula 1 Constructors’ Cups. The last participation in the competition was in 1969.
Cord
The Auburn Automobile Company used the Cord trademark on premium American automobiles in the 1930s. The brand was used from 1929-32 and 1936-37, when it was discontinued. Errett Lobban Cord founded Cord Corporation Holding to master the production of automobiles and vehicles. Luxury design and innovative technical improvements distinguished all models of the brand. However, the founder’s hopes that these qualities would ensure the company’s long-term existence were not realized.
Courage
Courage Compétition was founded by Frenchman Yves Courage, who in 1981 participated in many automobile races in Le Mans (France). The race team also bore this name. In 1981, Courage’s Lola-BMW with Jean-Philippe Grande won the race. The company was officially incorporated in 1982 when the Courage C01 prototype was completed. The launch of the next model, the C02, on which the team competed, led Primagaz sponsors to demand a different name for the sports models – Cougar. 1985, the company’s founder contracted with Porsche to replace the engines. In 2007, the brand became the property of Oreca.
Chunlan
Chunlan Auto Company from Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, was established as a subsidiary of Chunlan Group in 1997. Thus, Tao Jianxing, the head of the parent company, realized the dream of creating a brand for heavy-duty truck manufacturing. From 2002 to 2004, the company gained popularity in just two years – its vehicles were among the top five. The global crisis and heavy losses disrupted the broad plans to enter the global market. This led to the sale of the brand to Xugong Technology in 2008 and subsequent withdrawal from automotive manufacturing.
Canoo
Canoo Inc. is an American automaker founded in 2017 by Stefan Krause and Ulrich Kranz, based in Evelozcity in Torrance, California, United States. The brand’s main goal was to organize the production of affordable, low-cost vehicles for most electric vehicles – minivans, commercial vehicles, and vans. The brand considers sharing and leasing to be one of the uses of its vehicles. The company is funded by Chinese businessman Li “David” Pak-Tam/Botan and German entrepreneur David Stern.
Changan
Changan Automobile (Group) Co Ltd represents the Chinese automotive industry with a rich history. The brand was founded in 1862 in the Chinese city of Chongqing as a private engineering plant. After 1949, the plant was nationalized. In 1958, work in the defense sector began – the first army SUV appeared. In 1984, the production of passenger cars began. In 1993, Suzuki created a joint venture, Changan Automobile Group. It merged with Ford Motor, Mazda, and Citroën. Today, this brand is the third-largest company in the country.
Chery
One of the world-famous Chinese car manufacturers is Chery Automobile Co. Its mass production of cars has ensured its popularity in the low—and medium-price segments. The brand was founded in 1997 by the mayor’s Wuhu (China) office. Seat’s license for the Toledo chassis in 1999 ensured active production. Initially, the company produced administrative cabs. In 2001, some shares were acquired by Shanghai-based SAIC, which gave the brand access to the Chinese market and beyond, making it the first Chinese exporter.
CAMC
CAMC is the name of the Chinese automobile brand Hualing Xingma Automobile (Group) Co., Ltd outside the country. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Maanshan, China, the brand builds on a construction equipment business founded in 1970 and produces trucks for various applications, including special purposes. Having started with the production of concrete mixers and cement trucks, after the agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso in 2003, the company started to produce heavy trucks. In 2005, the company realized the first export of its products. In 2012, the company was reorganized and adopted its current name.
Changfeng
In 1950, the Chinese brand Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) in Changsha (Hunan Province, China) established an automobile manufacturing subsidiary called Hunan Changfeng Motor Co. Planning a change in 2012 – a merger with GAC Group, the company changed its name and type in 2009, becoming GAC Changfeng Motor Co Ltd. The brand’s main products are light trucks, mainly for the Chinese market. Today, the model range has expanded, including copies of the Mitsubishi Pajero and modifications, Mitsubishi pickup trucks Fine and Flying, and hatchback Kylin, which were created in cooperation with Bird Technology.
Cole Motor
Cole Motor Car Company was one of Indianapolis, Indiana’s leading automobile manufacturing companies from 1908 to 1925. Joseph J. Cole founded it. High-end luxury automobiles were produced. The founder’s first attempt to create an automobile was in 1903. In 1904, the Gates-Osborne Carriage Company was purchased and renamed Cole Carriage Company. At this time, a high-wheeled motorized buggy was created. 1909, the company was named Cole Motor Car Company, and it produced the first Cole Model 30. The company was liquidated in 1925, selling its last 607 cars just after the death of Joseph J. Cole.
Corre La Licorne
Corre La Licorne was an automobile manufacturer founded in 1901 by Jean-Marie Corre in Levallois-Perret, France, and produced automobiles under the Corre TM. After becoming a leader in racing cars of this brand, the nobleman Waldemar Lestienne influenced the change of the logo and the name of the brand. In 1907, the company included a unicorn in its identity, changing its name to Corre La Licorne. At the same time, the company’s founder sold the company to Lestienne Firmin. An electric car was developed and produced in 1 instance during World War II. The cars were sold until 1947. The brand was closed in 1949.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette was one of General Motors’ leading line of sports cars, which began production in 1953 in the United States. It was the first American sports car. It is a two-seater and rear-wheel drive model. Today, it is assembled at plants in the USA – Flint, St. Louis, and Bowling Green under different designations – Sting Ray C1 first generation and C2 from 1963 to 1967, C3 from 1968 to 1982, and C6 from 2005 to 2013. The next model, the C8, is now in production. Since 1960, racing variants of the Corvette have been produced: the Cx-R; the latest is the C8.R.
Cagiva
Calthorpe
Cambli International Thunder 1
Campagna Corporation
Carroll Shelby
Central Motor Co., Ltd
CG
Champion
Chandler
Changhe
Chariot Motors
Chatenet
Checker
Cheetah Racing
Chenard-Walcker
Chevron Engineering Specialties
Chinkara Motors
Chiribiri
CityEl
Clan
Claveau
Clinton
CMC
Colonial Motors Ltd
Comet
Commuter
Compagnie Nationale Excelsior
Connaught
Costin
Cottin-Desgouttes
Covini Engineering
Crossley
CSC
Csonka
CT&T United
Cunningham
Cupra
Custoca
FAQ
What car brand starts with the letter C?
Car brands starting with “C” include Chevrolet, Citroen, and Cupra. Each offers a wide selection of cars.
- Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is an American brand known for its diverse lineup, which includes trucks, SUVs, and performance cars such as the Corvette and Camaro. Chevrolet is popular for its affordable and long-lasting quality vehicles.
- Citroen, a French car manufacturer since 1919, is known for its creative and forward-thinking designs. Citroen cars are especially aimed at families and those who need an efficient and compact car for city driving.
- Cupra began as part of SEAT and has developed into its brand. The focus is on high-performance versions of SEAT cars, combining sportiness with luxury.
What car brand has a logo with the letter C?
American automobile brands have logos in which the letter “C” stands out prominently. These brands are well-known both in the United States and abroad.
- Cadillac is one of the most iconic brands, known for its luxury vehicles and storied history dating back to the early 20th century.
- Callaway Cars specializes in the production of high-performance automobiles. The brand focuses on sports cars that appeal to enthusiasts.
- Chrysler is another major player known for its American designs. Founded in the 1920s, the brand has influenced the development of new automotive technologies and designs, including fuel efficiency and safety advances.
- Corvette is not a separate brand. It is a Chevrolet model that is especially known for its sporting qualities. Known simply as the ‘Vette,’ it is a symbol of American muscle and performance, known for its elegant design and powerful engine.
What is the most expensive car with a C?
Expensive cars whose names begin with the letter “C”:
- Cadillac is a famous luxury brand from the USA. This brand is preferred by luxury car buyers who value elegance and performance.
- Chrysler is another recognized American brand. Although Chrysler’s premium models, such as the Chrysler 300, are typically not as expensive as Cadillacs, they are known for their luxurious interiors and powerful engines.
- Citroën is a European brand. Some limited-edition Citroën and DS sub-brand cars can be expensive due to their advanced features and distinctive styling.
- Cole Motor Car Company was an American brand of the early 20th century. Although the production of Cole cars ceased in the 1920s, collectors now highly seek them out.
- Connaught Motor Company is a British manufacturer specializing in sports cars that are now rare and highly sought after. These cars fetch high prices at auction due to their limited production.
- The Continental Automobile Manufacturing Company was a lesser-known player in the early American automobile scene. Today, its cars are prized by collectors.
What expensive cars start with the letter C?
Cadillac makes some of the most expensive cars whose names begin with the letter “C.” The brand has a long-standing reputation for luxury. Its cars are known for their luxurious interiors and unique designs, making them stand out in the high-end car market. These cars are sought after by those who prioritize comfort and style. Cadillac remains the best choice for those who want to make a statement with their car.
What is a C-type vehicle?
Type C vehicles fall under a specific category, designated “C” in vehicle classification systems. This group includes vehicles capable of carrying up to 16 passengers or hazardous materials, known as HAZMAT. Common examples in this category are passenger vans, small trucks, and trucks with trailers.
Type C vehicles are designed to perform specific tasks, such as transporting small groups of people or transporting dangerous goods. They play a critical role in commercial and industrial settings. This category is important because it ensures that these vehicles meet safety standards and are recognized for their special capabilities, which is crucial for compliance with transportation regulations.
