Louis Chevrolet (1878-1941) was a fearless automobile racer who displayed little concern for his own safety when the outcome of a race was in doubt. Chevrolet's driving skills attracted the attention of auto executive, William Durant. The two men combined their talents to form the Chevrolet Motor Company. Chevrolet designed a stylish six-cylinder touring car, which became an immediate marketing success and proved that his design abilities matched his racing skills.

Louis Joseph Chevrolet was born on December 25, 1878 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He was the second son of Joseph Felician Chevrolet, a watch and clockmaker, and Angelina Marie (Mahon) Chevrolet. Young Louis grew up with six brothers and sisters. The family moved to Beaune, a small town in the Burgundy region of France, when Louis was about six. His father taught him basic mechanical skills and stressed the importance of precision in the manufacture of machine parts, which...