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1931 Chevrolet AE Independence news, pictures, and information | ||
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Following the series AD of 1930, the new Series AE Chevrolets for the 1931 model year included the first ever 5-passenger convertible 'Landau Phaeton' Deluxe as the most elegant Chevrolet. All the new Chevrolets were marketed as the 'Independent' line in either Standard or DeLuxe models, the latter for the first time and distinguished by a chrome plated wire mesh grill in front of the radiator housing. ON a wheelbase of 109 inches, stretched from the previous year, ride quality improved across the Chevrolet line.
Power and performance were continuations of the year before but with considerable refinement of the new-for-1930 six-cylinder engine that was refined and brought up to about 50 horsepower for 1931. In the depths of the Great Depression, annual sales of Chevrolets dropped over 8% from 1930 to 627,104 cars sold in 1931.
However, among GM's five divisions, Chevrolet remained the largest selling division by far, maintaining its market segment with stylish designs in a range of colors and a growing list of options. An important factor in the nameplate's sales that year was a broader selection of body styles than previously offered and continuation of reduced prices.
The lowest priced Chevrolet was within about $65 of a comparable Ford. 'Body by Fisher' had become a quality feature of Chevrolet cars by then, and the 'Landau Phaeton' DeLuxe priced at $650 brought 5,634 buyers into Chevrolet showrooms who then drove away in high style, enjoying open air travel.
 1931
Chevrolet
models |
| Chevrolet 1/2 Ton Pickup |
| Similar Vehicles | |
 | 1931 Ford Model A |
 | 1931 Plymouth Model PA |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chrysler |
| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1931 |
| Ford Model A ($425-$635) |
| American Austin Coupe ($465-$550) |
| Plymouth Model PA ($495-$690) |
Average Auction Sale: $23,084 |
| Chevrolet: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Chevrolet History |
| Other models by Chevrolet |
| Manufacturer Website |
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