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Louis Chevrolet

Louis Chevrolet. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.

Louis Chevrolet. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.

Born:

25 Dec 1878
La Chaux de Fond, Switzerland

Died:

06 Jun 1941
Detroit, Michigan

Nationality:

United States

Indy 500s:

4 (1915-1920)

The man behind the firm whose name is still commonplace today. He left the company early on, then formed Frontenac. After being involved with aviation, he rejoined the company, although he did later work in the oil business after the company hit trouble. Louis retired in 1938 in ill-health. Moved to Florida, but during an operation in Detroit, his leg was amputated due to complications and he never recovered. He hasn't been forgotten in Switzerland, as in the late 2000's, a watch company in his name was founded near his place of birth.

Biography last updated 8 Oct 2014