Getting Flagged: The Chevrolet Corvette is easily acknowledged as an American sports car. Wanting to draw that projection of American patriotism when the first Corvette was produced, General Motors intended to include the United States’ flag in the iconic badge beside the checkered flag. However, the auto company’s legal department blocked the planned design as use of the American flag is actually illegal for commercial or advertising purposes. The Fleur-de-lis with the Chevrolet bowtie was adopted in its place.