Billy Durant
Founder of General Motors
William Crapo Durant was a true entrepreneur. He was not a builder of cars but rather a builder of companies; a dreamer who put several automobile companies together into what became the world’s largest corporation. Meet this somewhat unknown icon of American industry. Find out the roles that David Buick, Ransom Olds, Walter Chrysler, Charles Nash, and Louis Chevrolet played in the development of General Motors. Interact with him as he answers questions about his family, his successful life before entering the automobile industry, his creation of General Motors, his exit from the company and his attempts to begin again. Find out how this high school dropout became worth millions and yet died penniless. Learn about the Durant Building which became the General Motors Building and is now Cadillac Place. |
An interactive presentation by Russell Doré,
automotive historian and presenter
automotive historian and presenter
Russell Doré is a Board Member of the Motor Cities National Heritage Area, a member of the Henry Ford Heritage Association and the Northville Historical Society. He holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the social sciences. He is the author of Motor City Drama: Behind the Scenes Building the Big Three with Ford, Durant, and Chrysler.