Charles Mallon owns 2,014 Corvettes, and only one is in his garage.

By Stephen Williams
Of the hundreds of thousands of automotive enthusiasts around the world who worship at the altar of the sports car, very few can claim ownership of 2,014 Chevrolet Corvettes.

That’s 2,013 in Charles Mallon’s basement—contained in a display case and dozens of tote bags—and one in his garage: a 2005 LeMans blue C6.

One real Corvette is just enough for Charles Mallon.

Turning a hobby into a quest for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records isn’t something one plans overnight. Indeed, Mallon has accomplished just that. In June, he was certified by the Guinness folks for having the “Largest Collection of Chevrolet Memorabilia.”

He can trace back his affection for the marque to the age of 2, when, his mother tells him, he “could pick out a Corvette in a crowd, and run right over to it.”

Mallon’s Corvette-mania extends beyond just the miniature car models: He’s been assembling all bits of Chevy memorabilia since he was 14, from signs and books and posters to soda cans and Chevy belts. But his heart lies with the car.

“I started serious collection when I was 14,” he says. “I would bring home three models, then five models, and you get carried away. I’m into cars of all shapes and sizes, but growing up it was probably the look and the sound of the Corvette. It’s America’s sports car.”

Now 54 and a consultant working with auto dealerships on facility improvements, Mallon—who’s lived in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, all his life—still enlists friends to seek out Corvette miniatures on their visits to toy stores and flea markets. About 600, ranging in size from a few centimeters to more than a foot, reside in that display case in Mallon’s basement, and the rest are packed away in tote bags, “rotated on display periodically,” he says. Mallon’s wife, Gina, is particularly good-natured about the whole thing. “That’s his man-cave downstairs,” she says. “It’s not as bad as it sounds.”

Mallon formerly belonged to a Corvette owners’ club and is just now getting back in. “I traveled a lot and my kids were quite young so I didn’t keep up with too many events,” he says, but he’s planning to attend a meeting later this summer. He’s also planning to become more involved in the Corvette social media scene a community that embraces nearly 1 million fans.

One Corvette experience he’s highly anticipating is checking out the Corvette 427 Collector Edition with available 60th Anniversary Design Package for 2013. “Should be a blast to drive… all that power in a convertible. I can’t wait to collect all the miniatures produced for that special car.”

Earlier this year Mallon assembled his entire collection on the floor of a high school gym near his home, part of the process of establishing a benchmark for a new Guinness category. He submitted a formal application—“to validate my insanity”—and was awarded the certificate in June.

Mallon says he’s interacted with collectors who own many more miniatures than he does, but no one with as many Corvettes: “I catalog all of them on an Excel spread sheet; break ’em down by exterior color, interior color, wheel color.”

Isolating a favorite for Mallon is part science, part impulse. He enjoys a couple of high-priced Franklin Mint Corvettes given to him as gifts, as well as a collection of cars with National Football League logos (“Every team but the Detroit Lions…they’re owned by Ford”).

Pick one?
“A Betty Boop Corvette limited edition.”

The trademarks mentioned in this story are held by their respective owners.

Stephen Williams has written about cars and the automobile industry for The New York Times and Automotive News, and is a former staff writer and columnist for Newsday. He’s never owned a Corvette, but that goal remains high on his Bucket List.

5 Cool Tech Toys for Car Loving Kids

What makes a tech toy even better? Wheels.

By Anna Fader

Hot Wheels Apptivity

It’s hard to imagine improving on a time-honored classic like Hot Wheels. But now, with the help of a free app from iTunes, Special Edition Hot Wheels cars can turn your iPad into an action-packed racetrack that takes kids 4 and up on a fast-paced virtual adventure.

The danger, of course, is that Dad may start hogging this nifty, hands-on driving game. So be sure to remind him that kids his age can get behind the wheel of a real Hot Wheels classic: the 2013 Camaro Hot Wheels Special Edition—after all, who wouldn’t choose the reality over the toy? Just wait until he test drives the 2014 Camaro Spring Special Edition, available in 2LT and 2SS Coupe or Convertible models!

Solar Car Science Kit

A few different companies make science kits that kids can use to build their own solar-powered cars, and learn how solar panels turn sun energy into electricity in the process. Creativity, remote control, science, green energy—what’s not to love?

Romo

Brace yourself, because every other toy in the house is about to be neglected. Romo is a tread-wheeled robot that turns an iPhone or iPod Touch into a fully programmable friend. Kids don’t even realize they’re learning programming skills as they answer a series of “If X then Y” questions to make the robot do whatever their imaginations conjure up—whether it’s making faces, playing hide and seek, or tormenting a sibling. Romo works with most iOS devices and, once programmed via its graphical interface, can zoom from room to room, recognize faces and follow remote-control commands—even from distant iOs devices. This means Dad can give chase when not at home, and Grandma can play peekaboo from another state.

Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines Kit

Remember erector sets? Well, you can forget them. Thames and Kosmos lets junior engineers build motorized vehicles and machines, just like Grandpa used to—only now kids get to control them with a wireless remote. But that’s just the beginning. With this high-tech science-minded building kit, your mad scientist can create his or her own Frankencar, to rule over all the other remote-controlled vehicles on the block.

Hot Wheels Video Racer

This high-tech, high-cool little car has a hidden micro camera on board that records footage of its high-speed journeys down plastic racetracks, around loop-de-loops and through the legs of the family dog—giving its owner the sensation of being inside and squinting through that teeny-tiny windshield. But here’s the piece de resistance: With the help of a snap-on case, the car-camera can be attached to other wheeled objects. From bikes to boards, kids can create all manner of adventure videos that they can upload, edit and even orchestrate.

The trademarks mentioned in this story are held by their respective owners.

Anna Fader is the founder and editor-in-chief of Mommy Poppins, the ultimate travel blog for families in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut.

The Chevrolet Emblem may have been inspired by a piece of wallpaper. Or maybe not.

The Chevrolet bowtie—introduced by company cofounder William C. Durant in late 1913—is one of the most recognized emblems in the world today. But how it came to be synonymous with the brand is open to wide interpretation.

Inspired by wallpaper in a French hotel?

Durant’s version of how the logo came into existence is well-known. The long-accepted story, confirmed by Durant himself, was that it was inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel.

According to The Chevrolet Story of 1961, an official company publication issued in celebration of Chevrolet’s 50th anniversary:

“It originated in Durant’s imagination when, as a world traveler in 1908, he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on wallpaper in a French hotel. He tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it to show friends, with the thought that it would make a good nameplate for a car.”

However, conflicting accounts have emerged, each of which is plausible enough to deepen the mystery and suggest it may never be solved. Two of the alternate origins come from within the Durant family itself.

Or was it a dinner-table sketch?

In 1929, Durant’s daughter, Margery, published a book entitled, My Father. In it, she described how Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table: “I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day.”

Was it borrowed from a newspaper ad?

More than half a century later, another bowtie origin story was recounted in a 1986 issue of Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine, based on a 13-year-old interview with Durant’s widow, Catherine. She recalled how she and her husband were on holiday in Hot Springs, Virginia, in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed, “I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet.” Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Durant didn’t clarify what the motif was or how it was used.

That nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a November 12, 1911, edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, the Southern Compressed Coal Company placed an ad for “Coalettes,” a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon. Did Durant and his wife see the same ad or one that was similar–the following year a few states to the north? The newspaper edition was dated just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Company.

The Swiss flag theory.

One other explanation attributes the design to a stylized version of the cross of the Swiss flag. Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel, to French parents on Christmas Day 1878.

Whichever origin is true, within a few years, the bowtie would emerge as the definitive Chevrolet logo. An October 2, 1913, edition of The Washington Post seems to be the earliest-known example of the symbol being used to advertise the brand. “Look for this nameplate” the ad proclaims above the emblem. Customers the world over have been doing so ever since.

Today’s bowtie: a gold standard.

Many variations in coloring and detail of the Chevrolet bowtie have come and gone over the decades since its introduction in late 1913, but the essential shape has never changed. In 2004, Chevrolet began to phase in the gold bowtie that today serves as the brand identity for all of its cars and trucks marketed globally.

The Wheel Deal: Finding Your Perfect Vehicle

Preparation is key when choosing and test driving a new vehicle.

If you have been keeping up on our series of posts for new car buyers, you have learned about choosing the type of vehicle that best fits your life and how to narrow down your choices. Now, you’re ready to locate your ideal vehicle, kick some tires and take it for a spin!

There are quite a few websites you can utilize to find your specific vehicle of interest. Your first stop should be the manufacturer’s – or a specific local dealer’s – website.

In addition to these common contact methods, some automaker and dealership websites now have a Live Chat feature. You can see some of these services in real-time if you are considering a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. Below is an example of a real chat interaction with an interested customer, which will give you an idea of how easy it is to get your questions answered.

 

Some other popular web options include Edmunds.com, KBB.com, Cars.com and AutoTrader.com. When you search for your vehicle on sites like these, they typically bring up general vehicle information, highlighted options, VIN, MSRP, and the name and address of a dealership with the vehicle in stock.

There’s always a chance someone else might be looking at the same vehicle as you. So, it’s always a good idea to call or email the dealership to confirm your specific model is still in stock and unsold.

Once you know your vehicle is available, the dealership will invite you to come down and see it for yourself, get behind the wheel, and take it for a test drive. This visit is a great time to ask questions about the vehicle. There are some questions you may not think to ask prior to seeing the vehicle:

When you first visit the dealership, it’s important you know there is no pressure to purchase or sign anything right away. Simply make your intentions clear when you set the appointment, and then again when you arrive. Don’t be afraid to confirm the vehicle they show you is the exact same one you saw online by checking the VIN.

THE FINER DETAILS

Everyone thinks a test drive is easy; you just show up, drive the car around, and that’s it. There’s much more to it than that. When you’re out for a test drive, here are some things to take into consideration:

• Do you have ample space for your kids or other regular passengers? Consider backseat space if you’ll be using child safety seats, and think about cargo and trunk space if you regularly haul sports equipment.
• What’s it like driving the vehicle at night? With the added importance of seeing your surroundings at night, this could be a big factor most drivers don’t think about – the shape and manner in which headlights project on the road.
• How does the vehicle handle on the highway? Does it have the power you need for merging into traffic? How does it handle getting on and off the freeway?
• Finally, what about parking your car in a garage or designated space where you live or work? Will this vehicle fit comfortably in those spaces? Will the mirrors stick out just a little bit too wide? Sometimes it helps to actually park the car in the exact space you use daily, provided it’s close enough to the dealership and the dealer allows it. Or, you can measure your home parking space prior to the visit, and then compare it to the width or length of the vehicle when you see it at the dealer. Remember, there are no bad questions when making an investment in a new vehicle!

The final objective to consider upon visiting a dealership is to ask them about final pricing and if they are offering any incentives for your vehicle of interest. “MSRP” means Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. However, often times the final sale price can be lower than this posted price, or the price you may have seen online! Once you arrive at an agreed-upon price, make sure the price includes all tax, title, license and destination freight charges, so you will know exactly how much you will need to finance. We will touch more on this topic in our final post.

Overall, don’t be afraid to weigh all your options and go with your gut! Visit multiple dealerships in your search, and once you find the dealership whose service and personality falls in line with yours, then you can prepare yourself for the imminent purchase. It’s time to get excited, as the finish line is near.

Stay tuned for our final story in the series, which will put the finishing touches on your adventure. We’ll cover final preparations for financing, insurance, and best of all, taking delivery. See you then!

Everything You Need To Know To Choose Your Next Vehicle – Part 2

Now, let’s focus on how to compare specific vehicles, evaluate the value of your current and potential new vehicle, and also make the choice between buying and leasing.

It’s Time to Compare

Once you’ve decided which class or segment of vehicle you want, the next step is to determine the specific brand and model that’s right for you. Thanks to the Internet, it’s fairly easy to compare vehicles across brands.

Many automotive brand websites have a Comparison Tool, where you can compare multiple vehicles side-by-side or look at the same vehicle with different option groups or trim levels.

*BuzzWord “Trim Level” = Different configurations of standard equipment and amenities. For instance, the base trim may have only basic features (wheel covers, cloth seats) compared to the top-of-the-line model (alloy wheels, moonroof, leather upholstery and enhanced safety features).

Using these tools, you will be able to see images of interior and exterior styling and design. Remember, you CAN judge a book by its cover in this situation! Make notes about which exact makes and models you think you would like. Once you have it narrowed down to 4-5 options, it will be time to dig deeper.

Here is an example from Chevrolet.com comparing the 2015 Cruze to its closest competitors:

Some highlights you might want to focus on during comparison include price (MSRP), fuel efficiency (MPG), cargo/storage space, seating capacity and manufacturer warranty.

This comparison process, along with your gut feeling about the look of the vehicle, should help you narrow down your choices to a couple of solid finalists. If you are looking for a 3rd party comparison tool, check out one of these tools from some of the top online vehicle sites: Edmunds.com, KBB.com, AutoTrader.com and Cars.com.

Trade-in Value of Your Current Vehicle

Now that you are starting to see potential pricing of your vehicles of interest, you may want to consider your current vehicle’s value. This will only apply if you plan to trade-in your current vehicle.

One great tool to give you at least a ballpark estimate of your current vehicle’s value is from Kelley Blue Book. Other resources include Edmunds.com and Cars.com.

*Be honest about your vehicle’s condition when using an evaluation tool. This will make your estimate as accurate as possible.

There are two types of values typically considered, and both are equally important:

There is a common saying regarding selling, “An item is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.” Keep this in mind to maintain realistic expectations and don’t be insulted if someone offers you less than expected. You can accept or reject the offer at your own discretion.

Buying vs. Leasing

The decision to buy or lease a new vehicle largely comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. We break down some benefits for both buying and leasing a new vehicle below.

Congratulations! You are now one step closer to buying or leasing your ideal new vehicle. Now that you have a couple of top candidates narrowed down, AND you have seen all the pictures, AND read the reviews – what will it feel like to get behind the wheel?

Next time, we will share how to find and connect with a dealership, setup a test drive, and ask your dealer the right questions.

Chevrolet highlights 24 vehicles that helped define the brand in today’s market

Throughout its 100-year history, Chevrolet has created hundreds of different cars and trucks. Many have their passionate fans and collectors. Some stand out as iconic — personifying the spirit, style and dependability that have defined Chevrolet.

So with apologies in advance to fans whose favorites missed the cut, here is a selection of iconic cars and trucks from our first century in the United States. The GM Heritage Center collection includes representative examples of most of these vehicles.

1914 Chevrolet Royal Mail Roadster

In late 1913, just two years after its founding, Chevrolet introduced the 1914 “Royal Mail” roadster. It was the first Chevy to wrap almost every Chevrolet-specific attribute into one car. Contemporary and jaunty, the Royal Mail had great visual appeal. Its reliable 171-cid 4-cylinder engine had overhead valves, a premium design that contributed to its relatively high power rating. The car’s moderate $750 list price included a top, windshield and speedometer — items that had been accessories on more expensive cars just a few years before. In retrospect, it seems fitting that the Royal Mail was one of the first models to carry the Chevrolet bowtie badge.

1932 Chevrolet Sport Roadster

Arriving in the midst of the Great Depression, the 1932 Chevrolets were advertised as “The Great American Value.” The cars’ styling and chrome accents echoed GM’s more expensive 1932 Cadillac models. Priced at a low $445, the Chevrolet Sport Roadster included a “rumble seat” for two, built into the rear deck. Chevrolet’s 6-cylinder overhead-valve engine, introduced in 1929, provided smooth, economical power. Upgrades for 1932 included a synchromesh transmission that helped eliminate embarrassing gear clash. Without a doubt, the styling of the ’32s helped make Chevy America’s favorite car that year. Even today, many collectors point to the 1932 Chevrolet when asked to name their favorite Chevy of all time.

1936 Chevrolet Suburban

The early Suburban was the grandfather of the modern SUV. However, the steel-bodied, truck-based Chevy Suburban “Carryall” originated as a more robust and accommodating alternative to “woodie” station wagons when it was introduced in mid-1935. Continuing into 1936 with few changes, the first generation Suburban was often put to work carrying up to eight persons, plus their gear and luggage, to rugged and remote locations — where work, play or the pursuit of adventure awaited. During the past 76 years, many of the more than 2 million Chevy Suburbans built have continued that original mission, while others have taken on new roles, such as serving as VIP limousines. Along the way, the Suburban has become the longest-lived, continuous production automotive nameplate in the United States.

1948 Chevrolet Pickup

Chevy’s new Advance Design trucks for 1948 were the first completely restyled General Motors vehicles introduced after World War II. From the start, people loved the new Chevy pickups. (And they still do — the Advance Design generation trucks are cherished by collectors as classics today.) The new, roomier cabs for ’48 provided spacious three-across seating. The Chevy truck driveline, which had proved itself in every possible way during the war, hadn’t needed — or received — much tweaking. Reliable and versatile, the Chevy half-ton pickup continued as the farmer’s and tradesman’s four-wheeled friend. With the advent of the ‘48s, more families began to consider a Chevy pickup for a second car.

1949 Chevrolet Canopy Express

During the decades since the first Chevy trucks rolled out in 1918, some once-common uses for Chevrolet trucks, and the special models that served these needs, have fallen by the wayside. Open-sided panel trucks called Canopy Express trucks were once common and used for many types of delivery services. Before supermarkets came along, “hucksters” commonly vended fresh fruits and vegetables curbside in neighborhoods from such trucks. The GM Heritage Center collection has one of the last 1949 Canopy Express trucks in existence.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette

In 1952, GM styling head Harley Earl and a small team of designers set out to create an American sports car using innovative fiberglass body construction. Crowds thronged the resulting roadster — the Chevrolet Corvette — at the 1953 GM Motorama. A production version, powered by a warmed-up Chevy 6, followed. A few years later, GM engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, a Russian-born émigré who knew his way around European sports car racing, gave Corvette its high-performance heart. Duntov massaged Ed Cole’s elegantly simple and lightweight 1955 Chevy small-block V8 into a racing engine competitive in most any arena. By 1956, a Corvette race car with the right factory authorized parts could give nearly any car in the world a good run. And that was just the beginning.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe

Occasionally, a new car arrives at just the right moment — and history is made. One such standout in the 100 years of Chevrolet is the 1955 Bel Air. Chevrolet had a “durable but dull” image in the early 1950s that cried out to be reenergized. The 1955 Chevy, especially in top-level Bel Air guise, did just that. Debuting just as rock ‘n’ roll was about to shake America to its cultural roots, the longer, lower and often two-toned 1955 Chevy exuded American optimism. A sizzling new “Turbo-Fire” V8 — the engine that launched Chevys legendary small-block engine family — was optional. Chevy ads called the ’55 “The Hot One,” an allusion both to its V8 performance and record-breaking sales pace.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

The strikingly sleek Chevy Nomad of 1955–1957 brought mid-century modern design to the utilitarian station wagon. The Nomad got its name, along with its unique roofline and rear body treatment, from a 1954 GM Motorama Corvette concept wagon conjured up by GM design chief Harley Earl — father, as well, of the 1953 Corvette roadster. Encouraged by the show car’s reception, and mindful that America’s burgeoning suburbs were absorbing ever more station wagons, Chevrolet developed the Nomad into a premium Bel Air-level “halo” model for their 1955–57 regular wagon lines. The Nomad two-door sport wagon design was produced through 1957. Each of the three model years still has its passionate followers — the original Nomads have never gone out of style.

1963 Chevrolet Impala

The Beach Boys sang harmonies to Chevy’s 409-cid big-block V8, rated at a thumping 425 horsepower for 1963. The hardtop ’63 Impala Sport Coupe, with its convertible-look roofline, crisply tailored flanks and pointed fenders, beautifully showcased the big brute of an engine. The sleek 1963 Impala could also be had with a Chevy 283 or 327 small-block V8 engine, and was even available as a 6-cylinder model. The popular Super Sport Package included special SS exterior details and front bucket seats with a console. Collectors drool over ’63 Impalas today — especially when there is an original 409 V8 under the hood — and the ’63 is also a favorite with hot rodders and customizers.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray “Split-Window” Coupe

By 1962, the Chevy Corvette had earned global respect for its performance prowess and was on its way to becoming the favorite, if never official, car of America’s astronauts. It even starred in a hit TV show about a couple of guys on a perpetual road trip on Route 66. Then came the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Based on a one-off sports racer penned by GM design chief Bill Mitchell, the Corvette Sting Ray “Split-Window” Coupe was quite possibly the most exciting production car America had yet experienced. Beyond its superbly tailored form, the Sting Ray had a new and effective independent rear suspension, offered extra-potent, fuel-injected small-block V8 power, and, best of all, was surprisingly affordable.

1967 Chevrolet Pickup

The 1967 Chevy trucks led truck design into a new era. Leaner and cleaner in every line, the new models appeared lower and longer — somehow managing to look both car-like and rugged at the same time. Their large, rounded wheelhouses added a design touch evocative of several popular GM cars of the era. The ’67s were more durable than ever, and were to their core tough machines designed first of all to get the job done. Many features of the new pickup — and the Suburban that shared its styling — were designed to appeal to the still relatively small, but growing, number of customers seeking comfortable and capable trucks for recreational use or personal transportation.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Providing a spectacular grand finale to the first-generation (1967–69) Camaro, the freshly restyled ’69s raced through a year of unprecedented exhilaration. Chevy’s hot four-seat sportster was turning up at the head of the pack everywhere, it seemed. The Z28 was headed for a Trans-Am racing championship, several dozen specially produced ZL-1 aluminum-engined Camaro coupes were providing thunderous thrills at drag strips, and a specially detailed RS/SS 396 Convertible popped up just in time to pace the 1969 Indy 500. No 1969 Camaro would ever become just another used car. The spirit of the now-iconic ’69 is subtly evident throughout the forward-looking 2010 Camaro.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS

The El Camino “passenger-car pickup” first appeared in 1959 and was, along with the ’60 edition, based on the full-size Chevy. Following a three-year hiatus, the El Camino returned for 1964 as a derivative of the new intermediate-size 1964 Chevelle. The restyled ’68 El Camino was as sleek as any vehicle with a pickup bed could be. That same year, the El Camino was finally available with Super Sport equipment, and buyers could fully partake of the additional muscle car options offered for the Chevelle SS. The 1970 El Camino SS, stuffed with 396- or 454-cid Chevy big-block power, is the ultimate El Camino of the muscle car era.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The muscle car era peaked in 1970, and leading the way to the summit was the SS 454 Chevelle. Chevrolet’s 454-cid big-block, the largest displacement production Chevy V-8 ever, was new for 1970. That same year, GM first permitted engines larger than 400 cid in its intermediate-sized cars. One result was perhaps the most legendary of all Chevy Super Sports, the SS 454 Chevelle. The available 450-horsepower LS-6 big-block could launch the SS 454 to 100 mph in about 13 seconds. Original, unmodified LS-6 SS 454s are rare, investment-grade, collectibles today. However, many enthusiasts build their dream Chevelle SS from Chevy’s Performance Parts catalog – the GM Heritage Center’s ’70, with its modern 505-horsepower, LS7 427 V8, is a sterling example.

1971 Chevrolet C/10 Cheyenne Pickup

The trend had been building for years, and by 1971, it became impossible to ignore: Mainstream America was falling in love with Chevy trucks. The 1971 trucks helped Chevrolet set a new car and truck calendar year sales record of more than 3 million vehicles that year. On a model-year basis, Chevy truck production for 1971 totaled 739,478, also a record at that point. Of all the Chevrolet truck models offered for ’71, by far the most popular was the 2WD C/10 pickup, with more than a quarter million built. Spurring the half-ton’’ acceptance was the new-for-1971 Cheyenne premium trim package, which raised Chevy pickup interior style and comfort to new levels.

1976 Chevrolet C/10 Stepside Pickup

Tradition counts in the truck business, and wise truck makers stay mindful of the past while moving ahead. When Chevy launched its smooth-sided, double-walled Fleetside pickup box in mid-1958, it kept the Stepside box in the lineup as well. It would remain available, one way or another, for another 45 years. The classic Stepside design had a small step — really a vestige of the old-time running board — mounted ahead of each rear fender. These were useful for reaching items collected at the front of the bed. Convenience aside, some Chevy pickup buyers just plain liked the look of a Chevy Stepside. The dealer-added paint striping and aftermarket wheels on the Stepside shown provided an individualized custom appearance.

1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Chevy thunder rolled across Europe in 1989 when 24 preproduction ZR-1 Corvettes arrived on the continent for a press tour in the south of France. The ZR-1, also known as the “King of the Hill” Corvette, was powered by a technically advanced 32-valve 4-cam 350-cid V8, developed with Group Lotus of England. Although quite tractable at low speeds, the engine — coded LT5 — had breathtaking performance right to the red line. Engine supply delays pushed the official ZR-1 introduction into the 1990 model year. The GM Heritage Center has two of the 84 ZR-1s built as 1989 models in its collection. In 2009, Chevrolet resurrected the ZR1 designation (sans hyphen) for a new supercharged Corvette model that surpasses the 1990-1995 ZR-1 in performance.

1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The fourth-generation Camaro, featuring completely new and extremely smooth styling, was introduced for 1993 as a coupe only. The Z28 featured a 275-horsepower version of the Corvette LT-1 small-block V8 introduced the year before — making the Camaro performance model the closest car to a Corvette available with a rear seat. A Camaro Z28 paced the 1993 Indianapolis 500, marking the fourth time the brand had served as the Indy Pace Car (earlier appearances were in 1967, 1969 and 1982). As had become tradition, a Pace Car Edition package was offered through Chevy dealers — 645 1993 Z28s were built with the colorfully pin-striped Indy Pace Car package.

1996 Impala SS

Chevrolet closed out its rear-wheel-drive, full-size sedan lineage in fine style with the 1994-96 Impala SS. The cars offered impressive performance — their 260-horsepower 5.7L LT1 Corvette small-block V8 engine could propel the 4,200-lb. cruisers to more than 90 mph in a quarter mile. A sport-tuned suspension, extra-powerful four-wheel disc brakes, and wide 17-inch tires on special aluminum wheels, were also standard. Exterior moldings matched the body color — black-only in 1994, with dark cherry metallic and dark grey-green also offered during 1995 and 1996. Inside, leather seating surfaces and a leather-covered steering wheel exuded luxury. Originally delivered to a collector, the last 1996 Impala SS built now resides at the GM Heritage Center.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

The fifth-generation (C5) 1997 Corvette debuted to global acclaim. Everything was fresh, from the taut yet fluid styling, to the new LS1 small-block V8, refined chassis and improved body construction. The transmission was now mounted at the rear axle, an arrangement that contributed to a desirable 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Equipped with an available 6-speed manual transmission, the 1997 C5 could reach 170 mph. From its especially strong hydroformed box frame up, the 1997 C5 was designed to be exceptionally rugged. The C5 convertible, followed the coupe into production a year later, further demonstrated the effectiveness of the new structural design.

2008 Chevrolet Hybrid Tahoe

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid helped introduce the two-mode hybrid’s green technology to full-size SUVs. In 2004, GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler engineers set out to jointly develop a two-mode hybrid system suitable for full-size cars and SUVs. A system developed by GM’s Allison Transmission division for use on transit buses was the starting point. The two-mode hybrid system channels gas and electric motive power through an electronically variable transmission, enabling a significant improvement in fuel economy, compared to standard gas-engine powertrains. Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado models with the two-mode system are still the fuel economy leaders in their segments, with EPA-estimated 20 MPG city and 23 MPG highway.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

The TV commercial that introduced the 1967 Camaro showed it emerging from an erupting volcano. For 35 years, an unforgettable lineup of fun-to-own, fun-to-drive Camaros emerged from that metaphoric volcano. In 2002, the mountain went dormant. Then, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a new Camaro concept emerged to a standing ovation from the media and fans packing the convention hall — and rekindled the passion of the iconic 1969 Camaro. After the concept Camaro upstaged what looked like several volcanoes worth of pyrotechnics and special effects in the 2007 film, TRANSFORMERS^®†, the pressure to put it into production intensified. Much to the delight of Camaro enthusiasts everywhere, the new Camaro that emerged onto the automotive scene for 2010 was wonderfully faithful to the concept design — and to the spirit of the original. With the recent addition of a convertible, and soon an ultimate performance ZL1, the Camaro revival is just beginning.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Battery powered for the first 25 to 50 miles after charging up, the revolutionary electric-powered Chevy Volt with its gas-powered generator seamlessly provides additional electricity to continue on for another 300 miles or so, when needed. This extended-range capability frees Volt owners from the range anxiety that can haunt owners of battery-powered cars. Volt was named Motor Trend® Car of the Year for 2011, has collected Green Car Journal’s Car of the Year® award, was chosen Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year, and was voted 2011 North American Car of the Year by automotive journalists. As of early July 2011, Chevrolet estimated that about two-thirds of the more than 2 million miles driven so far by Volt owners had been on electricity from the grid.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition

The 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette pays homage to Chevrolet’s history and racing heritage, even as its bold, edgy monochrome appearance places it firmly in the present. The Centennial Edition package (code ZLC) can be ordered on any 2012 Corvette model, and is available exclusively in carbon flash metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial satin black wheels accented by red brake calipers. Ever since 1955, when the fledgling Corvette was first fitted with the new small-block Chevrolet V8, Corvette has personified the passion and performance of Chevrolet, and it has held a unique position as America’s sports car, winning fans and races worldwide as erstwhile competitors came and went. Most recently, Corvette won the GTE class at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, beating Ferrari, BMW and Porsche.

Spring Your Career Forward: Five Tips from the GM Recruiting Team

Top tips from General Motors to help you prepare for and land your ideal career

The beginning of the new season isn’t just reserved for spring-cleaning. It also serves as a time to refresh and renew the goals you made in January. If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to find a new career, this is the time to make sure you’re doing all that you can to land your dream job.

Here are some top tips from the GM recruiting team to help you prepare for and land your ideal career.

1.     Update your LinkedIn profile (if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create one!)

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with more than 277 million users. Here are a few ways to make sure you stand out:

• Make sure your profile summary conveys who you are and what you do in a creative and authentic way.
• Include links to your groups, blogs and personal website if available.
• Include volunteer experience to the Volunteer Experience and Causes field.
• Ask colleagues, mentors and others in your network for recommendations. LinkedIn recommendations serve as references in advance.
• Use LinkedIn’s new publishing platform to share original content to show expertise in your field of interest.

 2.     Network, network, network

There are plenty of ways to grow your professional network through both online and in-person career events. Here are some we suggest:

• Take advantage of your dream company’s job resources. General Motors, for example, offers several opportunities to interact with recruiters and learn more about career opportunities, including:
  • The monthly GM LinkedIn Careers Chat is taking place on Monday, March 31 at 12:30 p.m. EDT. This discussion allows followers to ask career-related questions directly to GM recruiters. See more details at the bottom of this post.
  • Join and engage with the GM Careers community on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
• Websites like meetup.com and EventBrite are great resources for finding networking events in your area.

 3.     Practice makes perfect

Once you’ve lined up the interview, it’s important to be prepared. This includes having your elevator pitch down and practicing responses to some of the most common interview questions. Try practice interviewing with a friend, family member or in front of a mirror to ensure you’re clear and remain calm while in the hot seat.

 4.     Follow up

You updated your LinkedIn profile, attended networking events and nailed the interview. Now it’s critical to follow up with the hiring manager to thank them for taking time to talk with you, remind them of why you would be the best fit for the position and determine a timeframe for feedback. Here are some tips for following up with a recruiter.

5.     Don’t get discouraged

There are dozens of reasons you may be rejected for a job even when you are a perfect fit. Among them: the hiring manager decided to hire an internal employee, they decided to shift responsibilities after the job was posted and you are no longer a fit, they posted a job that is not actually what they are looking for, the job is in later stages and other candidates have already been selected.

Regardless of the reason you may not have been selected for the position, stay positive and continue to broaden your network to stay open for new opportunities. For example, we always encourage job seekers to join the GM Talent Community to stay up to date on all new job opportunities and updates at GM.

Car Buying 101 – How to find the vehicle that fits your life and your wallet.

Life is filled with questions. Sometimes the questions are insignificant, such as what to wear or whether or not to order dessert. When you’re in the market for a new car, however, even the littlest questions can seem overwhelming.

By taking a focused look at your life, your needs and your budget, you can eliminate some of the pressures that can come with the selection of a new vehicle.

Follow these steps to determine the vehicle that will make you (and your budget!) very happy.

There’s Just So Many of Them!

There are all types of vehicles available today, everything from 2-seaters to multi-passenger panel vans. How can you find your perfect fit amongst so many options? Start by focusing on two things: personality and functionality.

Vehicles Have Personality, Too

What you drive reveals a lot about your personality, but your personality can also help you choose the right vehicle. Someone sporty and active might feel more drawn to a convertible, while a practical and prepared planner may appreciate the usefulness of a 4-door sedan. Same goes for color – an outgoing personality might prefer bright red, while a reserved person might prefer a sedate ivory or cream.

One great way to help you realize your automotive personality tastes is by gauging your response to other vehicles on the road. Which vehicles do you catch yourself looking twice? What makes you stop and stare at a stop light and think, “I could totally see myself in that!”

Sometimes your first response reveals a great deal. All that talk about judging a book by its cover… is fair game when you’re in the market for a new vehicle.

Form Does Follow Function

No matter how much of your personality is reflected in your vehicle, you also must visualize whether or not it will get the job done. There are vehicles out there that fit every need under the sun, but which one is right for you? Which type of vehicle will best handle your lifestyle?

• Do you take road trips, or tow/haul?
• Do you have, or plan to have kids in the near future?
• Do you live in a cold weather region with harsh winters?

Based upon the answers to these questions, this will help you to determine the class or segment of vehicle which would best suit your lifestyle:

If you start to see the offerings in your segment of interest, then you can see which brands and models – in these segments – best fit your personality with their design, colors, options and more

*(More on this in the next part of the series)

What is your budget? Can you be Pre-Approved? What the heck does that mean?

The first question you should ask yourself is “what can I afford?” This may come in the form of a lump sum payment from savings. If not, it is very common to make a moderate down payment, and then monthly payments for an agreed upon term.

This is not as complicated as it sounds. Simply estimate your monthly income, then subtract the following:

-Estimated monthly bills/utilities

-Other recurring payments (credit cards, personal loans, bank/credit union loans)

*Make sure to leave room for unexpected or miscellaneous expenses.

Here is a very good tool to help you calculate this.

How much do you have left? This will be a good indicator of what you can afford every month.

Building Credit = Savings on Interest!

*Many first-time car buyers do not have much – if any – credit history.  The benefits and drawbacks of building your credit include:

Having some semblance of a credit history could be instrumental in Pre-Approval for loans/financing. If this option doesn’t seem to be working in your favor, ask a good friend or family member (who has good credit). They may be able to help you secure the best rate possible!Don’t fret if you think (or know) your credit history is bare or your score is low. There are ways to improve your score and in a shorter period of time than you might think.

Chevrolet Introduces 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition

 Chevrolet introduces the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition – a road-going, track-capable homage to the Corvette Racing C7.R racecars. It’s offered in Corvette Racing’s signature yellow livery – or black – with coordinated exterior and interior accents.

Only 500 examples of the C7.R Edition will be built and all will include the Z07 Performance Package with carbon ceramic brakes, as well as a specially serialized vehicle identification number. They go on sale later this year.

“Corvette Racing’s legacy and technology were significant influences on the development of the Corvette Z06 and the new C7.R Edition honors the direct link between the racecar and the production model,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. “It also advances Chevrolet’s plan to offer special-edition models that offer a unique, personal ownership experiences, which become important parts of Corvette’s legacy.”

Here is a complete list of content and unique features for the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition:

• Offered on coupe and convertible models with 3LZ trim
• Available in Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat (new for 2016) or Black exterior colours
• C7.R Edition graphics package
• Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin PS Cup 2 tires
• Yellow brake calipers
• Black wheels with yellow accent strip and Corvette Racing-logo centre caps
• Visible carbon fibre ground effects package
• New visible carbon fibre hood section
• Grilles and vents finished in Spectra Grey Metallic
• Jet Black leather interior with sueded microfibre accents on the instrument panel and doors
• Sueded microfiber-trimmed Competition Sport Seat, steering wheel and shifter
• Yellow contrast stitching throughout the interior
• Carbon fibre interior trim package (high-gloss)
• Corvette Racing sill plates
• Numbered C7.R Edition interior plaque showing the build number, starting with VIN 700001
• Special indoor car cover with C7.R graphics.

The Z07 Performance Package includes Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance and contribute to greater handling through reduced un-sprung weight. The Z07 package also includes adjustable front and rear aero components for unprecedented aerodynamic downforce and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires for enhanced grip.
“The Z07 Performance Package enhances overall performance to make the Corvette Z06 one of the most track-capable cars you can buy off the dealership floor and still drive it to work every day,” said Charles.

“Combined with the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine, true aerodynamic downforce and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential, the Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition offers capability matched only by an elite fraternity of the world’s supercars and special-edition exclusivity that is sure to make it an instant collector’s item.”

Additional updates for the 2016 Corvette Z06 include a new, available front curb view parking camera, power-cinching hatch/trunk latch, new available design packages and more.

Chevy Trucks have a Lock on Capability

Oshawa, Ontario (Monday, April 27, 2015) – Trucks need traction to get the job done. And whether it is winter snow, spring mud or the weed-covered boat ramps of summer, an automatic locking rear axle can help keep Chevy trucks moving ahead with enhanced confidence and control.

Often referred to as the G80 for its order code, the rear axle locks automatically if one wheel starts to spin, enabling both rear wheels to propel the truck. The added traction lets a 2WD pickup to go places traditionally thought of as 4×4 territory, and further enhances the capability of 4×4 pickups.

“The G80 locking axle provides a greater traction advantage than limited-slip differentials in most situations, while its automatic engagement requires no driver involvement, unlike some competitors’ electronic lockers, which require driver activation,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. “The G80’s simplicity, durability and sure-footed grip have been proven with generations of customers, as it has been a staple of the Chevy truck lineup for more than 40 years.”

The G80 automatic locking rear axle is available on most Silverado models, and is standard on LTZ and Z71 versions of the Silverado 1500 and all Silverado 2500 and 3500 HDs. Additionally, it is available on Colorado WT and LT models, and standard on Colorado Z71. It is also standard on Tahoe and Suburban.

With technology by Eaton, the G80 performs as an open differential until excessive slip in one wheel automatically triggers the locking mechanism, ensuring the rear wheels turn at the same speed. It provides more sure-footed traction than a conventional limited-slip axle, which can allow the wheels to turn at different rates in a low-traction environment, limiting the amount of traction-enhancing torque that can be channeled to the faster-spinning wheel. Unlike electronic lockers, the G80 engages and disengages automatically, with no input from the driver.

When the G80 detects excessive wheel slip, a flyweight-type governor engages. A self-energized clutch system causes a cam plate to ramp against a side gear, compressing disc pack to cause both rear axle shafts/wheels to rotate at the same speed.

The lockup and disengagement processes happen instantly and are practically imperceptible to the driver. Ride is smoother because the G80 operates mostly as an open-type differential in normal driving conditions.

“There are no buttons to push or electronic settings to engage,” said Luke. “The G80 does its job instantly and quietly, so drivers can go about their job with confidence.”