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The Corvette emblem has seen its fair share of changes over the years and some changes have been subtle and others have been quite drastic. However, for all the changes that have occurred with the Corvette’s emblem, there are certain design cues that stay constant in almost all designs. Most Corvette emblems have the famed crossed flag which consists of the checkered flag, the Chevy Bowtie and at times the fleur de lis (the maple leaf looking thing). What many don’t know is that the Corvette emblem was changed for the maiden 1953 Corvette almost at the last second.
The original Corvette emblem was created by Robert Bartholomew who was an interior designer and while it looked much the same as what would be adopted it was vastly different. The original design did have the crossed flags but one flag was the checkered flag and the other flag was the flag of the United State of America. The emblem went over very well with GM executives and the first Corvette prototype was fitted with the design and was destined for its first public appearance.
Just four days prior to the world getting its first glimpse of the Corvette the GM executives had a change of heart. They knew that it was not legal to use the American Flag in conjunction with a commercial product. Though the Corvette that they fitted the emblem with was only a prototype they decided better to be safe than sorry.
The design team got back to work on the emblem and the new emblem featured the same design only with the American flag gone and the flag with the Chevy Bowtie and the fleur de lis taking its place. The idea for the fleur de lis, which is French for “flower of the lily” was added as an homage to the man that Chevy was named after; Louis Chevrolet. While GM search for a family crest to use they came up short but stumbled across the fleur de lis which stands for peace and purity and so it was used to honor the Frenchman. The prototype Corvette was then fitted with the new emblem and sent off to the Waldorf in New York and what would follow would be history in the making.
Even though the emblem was indeed a smashing success with all that saw it at the show it was again redesigned before the actual production of the 1953 Corvette took place. Still the new design had all the same features of the first only it was styled in a more aesthetically pleasing way.
The first Corvette Emblem made by Robert Bartholomew can still be seen to this day and not just in photographs. You can take a trip to the National Corvette Museum and see it in all its glory as it is displayed there for all lovers of the Corvette to see. While times and emblems change, one thing always remains; the Corvette is now and will forever be a classic in its own right, no matter what kind of badges it wears.
Considered a leader in Corvette forums, and highly recommended by A. Schult is the blog and forum found at SmokinVette.com, where you can find tips and resources for the Corvette enthusiast. For additional info on the Corvette Emblem, check out SmokinVette.com
You’ve seen them on the street corner, but have you seen all the different websites that provide information on how to set up your own auto title loan business? The websites promise to provide the resources and training you’ll need in order to “jump-start” (pardon the pun) your business. Indeed, there are profits to be made in this industry. However, you’ll want to make sure you know your state’s laws and regulations when you plan on starting a business that makes auto title loans.
For instance, even military families have recently met with hard financial times. Because of this, they’ve turned to short-term loans in order to pay some of their bills or to make ends meet. But because short-term loans have higher interest rates than long-term ones, they’re harder to pay off. In an attempt to pay off one obligation, some people take out yet another short-term loan, which creates an endless cycle. In 2007, the United States Department of Defense capped interest rates on car title loans (in fact, all types of loans) at 36% annual percentage rate (APR) to members of the military and their families.
Unlike the military, individual states and municipalities have jurisdiction over the businesses that operate within their borders, not the federal government. And some states have more regulation than others. Those states where the title loan industry has been successful in its lobbying and are generous with campaign contributions still charge triple-digit interest rate. The number of storefronts in a particular state also tell a story: There are 900 title loan lenders in Alabama, over 230 in Missouri, more than 272 in Mississippi, 150 in Virginia, and 111 in just one Tennessee county.
Some states have adopted more stringent regulations. In 2008, New Hampshire capped interest rates at 36% APR. Also in 2008, Iowa closed some of its loopholes which resulted in a cap of 35% APR, and Oregon lowered the maximum allowable number of loans. Other states that have recently adopted similar regulations include Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Some states require that title loan lenders need to be licensed. Nevada is one such state. Although it does not have an interest rate cap, the state of Nevada mandates certain disclosures, and limits the amount of times a loan can be rolled over. Tennessee is another state that requires its title loan lenders to have a license.
So all in all, in whatever form your involvement with auto title loans comes, you have to know the laws in your particular state. Knowing them will mean the difference between a profitable and an unprofitable business, and possible problems with lawsuits and other issues.
Although it’s a controversial industry, auto title loans act as a lender of last resort for millions of people nationwide. Regulation is welcome, but they are a necessity in today’s society.
