Chevrolet Bowtie Emblem Value Guide

This vintage Chevrolet Bowtie emblem represents a classic era of American automotive design, specifically spanning the 1960s through the 1980s. Highly collectible for its iconic shape and historical ties to founders William C. Durant and Louis Chevrolet, these chrome-plated metal pieces often featured vibrant enamel accents.

What affects the value of Chevrolet Bowtie Emblem?

• Condition of the chrome plating, specifically looking for pitting, peeling, or road rash from use.
• The preservation of the enamel color, as fading or cracking significantly reduces the $25-$40 market value.
• Rarity of the specific vehicle model it was pulled from, such as a high-trim tailgate or a specific grille series.
• Presence of original mounting hardware or intact attachment pins on the reverse side.

How to Identify Chevrolet Bowtie Emblem?

• Look for a heavy chrome-plated metal base rather than modern lightweight plastic.
• Check for integrated enamel coloring within the bowtie shape, typical of the 1960-1980 production period.
• Inspect the rear for original mounting studs or specific part numbers cast into the metal.
• Verify the specific bowtie proportions which evolved from the original 1913 design into the more streamlined mid-century look.

History of Chevrolet Bowtie Emblem

The Chevrolet Bowtie emblem is one of the most recognizable automotive logos globally. Its origin is debated, with some claiming it was inspired by a wallpaper design seen by co-founder William C. Durant in a Parisian hotel in 1908, while others suggest it was a stylized version of a Swiss cross, honoring founder Louis Chevrolet's Swiss heritage. Regardless of its true inception, the Bowtie has adorned Chevrolet vehicles since 1913, evolving in design over the decades but always maintaining its iconic shape. This particular emblem appears to be from a period when chrome and integrated color elements were common on automotive badging, reflecting the aesthetic trends of classic American cars.