A Chevrolet Centennial

Chevrolet, The Co-Founder
The company that would become Chevrolet was co-founded by a Swiss-born immigrant from France, Louis Chevrolet, seen here at the wheel of a Fiat he crashed during a practice run for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup, which took place on a route throughout Long Island, New York. Chevrolet's love of racing and his mechanical skills would influence his work as a pioneer in America's automotive industry.

• Buying a Corvette? Now You Can Build The Engine Yourself