From the 8 to September 10 do not miss edition 2000 commemorating the departure towards America of Louis Chevrolet just 100 years ago!
Who is Louis Chevrolet?
If, today still, about 100 million Chevrolet cross the roads of the world, one owes it to Louis-Joseph Chevrolet, this pioneer native of Bonfol (Switzerland), which was born the Christmas Day 1878 with the Lime-of-Bottoms
In 1888, the Chevrolet family emigrated in Beaune where his father opened a small watchmaker's shop. There Louis began as mechanic in the workshop from Roblin cycles.
The legend tells that:
A spring day in 1896 or 1897 while Louis is occupied to
file a cog in the workshop, a rich American whose car had just broken down,
appears and required of the assistance. Mister Roblin does not manage to repair
the car the engine.
Only Louis Chevrolet is capable of making repair! This American was the famous
Vanderbilt, whose family, having made fortune in the property speculation and
the coal mines, passed to be one of the most fortunate of America. Fascinated,
enthused, impressed by Louis Chevrolet's fitness, Vanderbilt would have said to
him:
"Come so in America! There is some work for you over there. If you are there one day, put yourselves in my search. Here is my address!"
The historians can not confirm the veracity of this story,
even if we know that Louis Chevrolet, some years later, took part in the
"Coupe Vanderbilt ".
In 1900, the dream becomes reality. Louis Chevrolet embarks for America via Montreal where
he found a first job for a few months as driver and mechanic.
What is the Louis Chevrolet Event ?
The happy holders of some of the most famous cars, as the Corvette,
Frontenac, Monroe or Cornelian, as well as admirers of the swiss racing driver
who became a manufacturer, got used now to meeting themselves once the year in
"sources", that is in the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet.
Organized by a volunteers' committee consisted of members of the "Vétéran
Car Club Romand" and of passionate persons of beautiful mechanics, it takes
place for 3 years faithfully 2-nd September weekend in close collaboration with
Tourism neuchâtelois.
The firt edition took place in 1997 with a prologue called "Louis Chevrolet
Memorial". A rally in the country gave the oportunity for 25 crews to
discover different unusual places.
The 2nd edition in 1998 alluwed us to celebrate the 120th anniversary
of his birth. More than 50 old cars were presented to the public of La
Chaux-de-Fonds and the "Montagnes neuchâteloises". A visit of the
cars museum of Muriaux, an initiation to golf and a journey in steam train have
delighted the many participants coming from France, from Germany and from
Switzerland.
The first prize for all categories was a trip for 2 persons to the 500 Miles
at Indianapolis.
The 3rd edition (1999) made it possible to the Louis Chevrolet Memorial to
become a must of the calendar of the Oldtimers' demonstrations, under the name
of Louis Chevrolet Event.
With more than 100 registered vehicles, the participants discovered through a
treasure hunt to the suggestive subject "mountains neuchâteloises, cradle
of the watchmaker's shop", with among others, the International Museum of
Horlogery and the famous watchfactory Parmigiani in Fleurier.
The first prize, "Best of Louis Chevrolet Event", was a trip for 2
persons to the 'Pebble Beach Concours d'élégance' , California USA.
This year we get ready to celebrate with dignity the 100-th birthday of Louis
Chevrolet' departure for the United States where eleven years later, it based in
Michigan "Chevrolet Motor Car Company".
Program of Louis Chevrolet Event 2000
In order to celebrate this incredible destiny, it seemed to us important to
go from la Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) to Beaune (France), capital of Bourgogne
area.
Friday 8th september 2000
Departure of the rally across the Swiss and French Jura
mountains, and Bourgogne area. In the arrival, Louis Chevrolet Event 2000 will be received
officially by Beaune's authorities in one of most famous cellars of Bourgogne.
Saturday 9th september 2000
Return to La Chaux-de-Fonds through Bourgogne area
with various stops (called "our favourites") at interesting places along
the way. Official dinner and presentation of
Louis Chevrolet's life foreseen by historians and journalists.
Sunday 10th September 2000
Presentation of vehicles for the LCE 2000
Elegance Contest.
Traditional parade of the participants
along the Leopold-Robert Avenue in La
Chaux-de-Fonds and Louis Chevrolet Event's award ceremony.
The stake is serious: the winner of the "Best of Louis Chevrolet Vent
2000" (all categories) could win a trip for two persons to the 28th
European Great Price of Oldtimers on the circuit of Nürburgring in Germany.
Who can take part in the Louis Chevrolet Event?
The participants come primarily from Switzerland, from Germany, from Belgium and from France. The cars of all marks will be classified in four categories, according to their year of construction:Internet: http://www.surface.ch/louis-chevrolet
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