The Corvette logo is an example of determination and power. The emblem flies forward, prompting the viewer to give way to it. Speed, power, and metal are all in the picture. The company’s vehicles will overcome all obstacles, says the sign.
Corvette: Brand overview
Meaning and History
Each car model had its logo, and the badges on the hood often changed for no particular reason. Designers experimented with two crossed flags, changed slope angles, and added and removed inscriptions. At some point, stripes appeared against the background, similar to the sun’s rays, but this motif was not very popular. Another little-known variation included the American flag. It was abandoned four days before Corvette’s debut when it was revealed that US laws prohibit using state symbols for advertising.
What is Corvette?
This is a car brand that belongs to the Chevrolet company. It represents eight generations of sports cars named after the Corvette warship.
1953 – 1955
When General Motors Corporation was planning to launch its first sports car, it turned to interior designer Robert Bartholomew to create an emblem. He designed a symbol depicting two crossed flags: on the left is the traditional US flag with stripes and stars, and on the right is the checkered black and white flag waved during races at the finish and start. Above was the Chevrolet wordmark. Opposite it, at the very bottom, there was a coherent and illegible inscription “Corvette.”
At the very last moment, the brand owners learned that this logo could not be applied to cars; otherwise, it could violate federal law. Bartholomew only had four days to fix the bug. First, Chevrolet wanted to play up the famous Louis Chevrolet racer’s family crest, after whom it was named. But she never managed to find suitable archival materials.
As a result, the classic French symbol—the fleur-de-lis—was chosen. Next to it were three horizontal stripes and a shield with a cross. Both flags and inscriptions were placed in a white circle with a black outline. The original emblem is still kept at the Corvette Museum in Kentucky.
1955 – 1962
The typography has been changed. Graphic elements became three-dimensional and lost their original shape. In front of the flags (at the bottom), the letter “V” appeared as clock hands. It stood for V-8 engines, equipped with all sports cars of that time.
1963 – 1967
In 1963, the second Corvette model, the StingRay, appeared. Its name took up the bottom of the logo, inside a black rectangle under the word “Corvette.” The ‘Chevrolet’ lettering was removed because sports car fans knew who the brand was. The silvery V is gone. The shape, size, and colors of the flags have changed slightly.
1968 – 1982
After the third model of sports cars was released, the circle on the emblem was removed. The designers depicted the flags at a new angle to make them appear more stable.
1982 – 1996
The fourth Corvette’s logo has been changed beyond recognition. Having lost their flagpoles, the flags changed places and acquired a new rectangular shape. The usual black ring has been returned. At the same time, the fleur-de-lis disappeared, yielding the main role to the Chevrolet Gold Cross.
1997 – 2005
For the C5 generation, the designers have updated the emblem, keeping the flags in their previous position and returning them to the classic form along with the fleur-de-lis symbol. Though halfway outside the circle, the crossed flagpoles returned to their usual place.
2005 – 2014
The company redesigned the logo by removing the black ring and replacing the flagpoles with elongated ridges on the banners’ inner edges. At the bottom, the caption “CORVETTE” was added, for which the developers used a new stylized font tilted to the right.
2014 – 2019
A new symbol was needed for the seventh generation of cars, so the designers moved the flags to a distinct V-shape. The typography hasn’t changed, but the letters are silver. The graphic part now has a metalized outline with shading.
2019 – today
The Chevrolet Corvette C8 logo looks more like a “V” than the previous one. The developers have removed the V-notch at the bottom so the flags are closer together. The letters in the lettering have been separated, so the brand name is now much easier to read. The colors are lighter, and the upper corners are sharper. This version of the so-called “butterfly” was leaked in February 2019, after which it appeared in the official render.
Corvette: Interesting Facts
The Chevrolet Corvette, also known as “America’s Sports Car,” is a true icon with a history that started in 1953.
- First Appearance: The Corvette first appeared on January 17, 1953, at the GM Motorama in New York City. It was notable for its fiberglass body, a unique feature at the time.
- Why “Corvette”? The name comes from a type of fast warship, a choice made by Myron Scott, a Chevy employee, who wanted to avoid using geographical names.
- V8 Engine Debut: 1955 the Corvette got a V8 engine, stepping up its performance game. This engine has become a key feature of the Corvette.
- Stingray Era: The 1963 second-generation Corvette, known as the “Stingray,” had a special design with a split rear window, making it a collector’s favorite.
- Racing Success: Corvettes have shined in races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its official racing team, Corvette Racing, has won many titles.
- Tech Innovations: Over the years, the Corvette introduced new technologies, such as fuel injection in 1957, four-wheel disc brakes in 1965, and carbon fiber parts in 1990.
- Z06 Model: First offered in 1963 and brought back in 2001, the Z06 model stands for top performance and technology in the Corvette series.
- Mid-Engine Design: The 2020 model introduced a major change: a mid-engine design aiming to rival European supercars’ handling and speed.
- Corvette Museum: Opened in 1994 in Kentucky, near the Corvette factory, this museum celebrates the car’s history and significance. It famously experienced a sinkhole in 2014, damaging rare models.
- A Presidential Favorite: President Joe Biden owns a 1967 Corvette Stingray, a gift from his dad. This car highlights the Corvette’s broad appeal.
The Corvette’s evolution from a novel sports car to a global performance symbol shows its lasting impact on car culture.
Font and Colors
Crossed flags accompany all generations of Corvette vehicles, portraying them as high-speed sports cars. The checkered black and white flag resembles the standard racing attribute that marks the finish. The second half of the emblem is more symbolic. It is adorned with a fleur-de-lis (a reference to Louis Chevrolet’s French roots) and a bold cross (Chevrolet brand badge).
The designers used a custom font for the inscription, which was created especially for the Corvette. Later, the Grand Sport Font family of typefaces was developed based on it. This is a set of 19 styles by Daniel Zadorozny.
The logo color scheme contains black, white, gray, red, and pale yellow. Combining different shades creates a 3D effect and gives the image a metallic sheen.
FAQ
What does the Corvette emblem mean?
The emblem has a deep meaning and history that reflects the brand’s heritage and purpose. It features two crossed flags: a checkered racing flag and a flag with a Chevy bow tie and fleur-de-lis.
The checkered flag demonstrates racing history and performance. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily flower, has historical and cultural significance. This French symbol represents peace and purity. It pays homage to the French origins of the name, as Louis Chevrolet, one of the founders, was of French descent. The emblem combines elements that show its racing history.
Why was the Corvette named Corvette?
The brand got its name from a fast warship. The name was chosen to reflect the car’s speed and agility. The car debuted at General Motors’ Motorama auto show at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.
Myron Scott, a Chevrolet employee, suggested naming the car after a warship. He wanted the name to reflect the car’s power, speed, and elegant design. The first corvettes were small, fast warships used in naval battles, known for their speed and ability to maneuver in shallow waters.
The name suited a sports car designed for high performance and an exciting driving experience. The brand quickly became popular and became an iconic American muscle car. Its elegant design, powerful engine, and advanced technology have helped it achieve legendary status.
What does the Corvette logo mean?
The logo features two crossed flags forming a V. One is black and white, like the traditional racing flag used at the finish line. This flag demonstrates the brand’s strong connection with motorsport and its high performance. The other flag is red and features a fleur-de-lis, a nod to the French roots of Louis Chevrolet, the brand’s co-founder.
The logo captures the spirit of a car with a rich heritage, marking its journey from its beginnings to becoming an iconic American sports car.
Why is the 2020 Corvette so cheap?
The 2020 Corvette’s starting price is low to generate interest and attract more buyers. The brand wants to make this high-performance car more accessible and increase sales.
One reason for the lower price is competition from other sports cars. The brand aimed to offer a mid-engined sports car that could compete with more expensive European models at a more affordable price.
This pricing strategy had financial consequences for the company, resulting in lower profits. Despite this, the decision was part of a plan to build a loyal customer base and enhance the car’s reputation as a high-performance vehicle with great value.
Who made the Corvette logo?
The creator of the current logo is unknown, but Robert Bartholomew, an automotive interior designer, designed the original logo.
The original logo had two crossed flags. One flag featured a checkered pattern, symbolizing racing and performance, in keeping with the Corvette’s sporty image. The other red flag included a Chevrolet bowtie emblem and fleur-de-lis, paying homage to the brand’s heritage and the French roots of co-founder Louis Chevrolet.
The logo has changed over time but has always retained the key elements of the crossed flags. The checkered flag symbolizes the car’s racing past, while the other flag reflects the brand’s history and personality. The logo remains a symbol of the brand as an iconic American sports car.
Is the Chevy logo on the Corvette?
The brand does not use the traditional Chevy logo. Instead, it has its distinctive emblem. This emblem features a pair of crossed flags forming the letter V, symbolizing the company’s unique identity and heritage.
The emblem includes a racing flag, symbolizing speed and performance, and a red flag with a fleur-de-lis, paying tribute to the French roots of Louis Chevrolet, the brand’s co-founder. This emblem is recognized worldwide and symbolizes the brand’s heritage and role as an iconic American sports car.