1931 Chevrolet AE Independence

Chevrolet quickly established a reputation for reliability, durability, and affordability, and by January 1930, the company introduced its new line of cars along with several innovations, followed by additional engine improvements in November. Additionally, they built their eighth millionth Chevrolet on August 25th, 1931.

The AE Independence was introduced in January of 1931, resting on a wheelbase that had been extended by two inches to 109 inches, and a slightly more powerful 85-hp version of the famous 'Stovebolt Six' engine first introduced in 1929. The 194 cubic-inch Stovebolt overhead-valve six was marketed as 'a Six for the price of Four.' It had overhead valves, three main bearings, solid valve lifters, a single updraft Carter carburetor, and was backed by a three-speed manual transmission with floor shift controls and a standard 4.10 gear ratio. The top speed of all models was about 85 mph. Mechanical modifications included a new vibration damper, a more durable clutch, a stouter engine block stiffened by the addition of integral ribs, and worm-and-sector steering replacing the previous worm-and-gear design. The front and rear axles were supported by parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs, and braking was handled by four-wheel internal expanding and mechanically operated drums. The 109-inch wheelbase rested on standard 19-inch orange-painted steel-spoke wheels with whitewall tires.

The 1931 Chevrolet was more stylish, modern, and robust than its predecessors, and Deluxe models came with a chrome-plated wire mesh radiator guard, chromed bumpers, and wire wheels. Among the list of options were dual side-mount spare tires with pedestal mirrors, dual taillights, turn signals, a swing-out windshield, and a rear-mounted luggage rack.

Styled by Harley Earl at General Motors Art & Color department, the new line was known as the International in its first year, subsequently becoming the Universal and then the Independence in 1931. Styling updates for 1931 included a higher and larger radiator, a bowed tie bar carrying the headlights, and a hood with vertical louvers on the raised side panels. Chevrolet was coming closer each year to mirroring the styling of the range-topping Cadillac.

The modern AE Independence series of 1931 was available as both a passenger car and with light commercial bodies in a wide variety of configurations. Among the list was the Canopy Express, which featured a 72-inch long by 45-inch wide, pickup truck-like bed and a fixed frame-like roof with open sides, which could be covered by scroll curtains tucked under the roof.

The two-door, five-passenger coach priced at $545 was the most popular body style with 228,316 examples built. This was followed by the 109,775 of the Special Sedan priced at $620, and 66,029 examples of the Sport Coupe which had a price of $575. The roadster was the most affordable at $475 and 2,939 examples were built. The sport roadster listed for $495 and 24,050 were built. The phaeton was $510 and 852 examples were constructed. A total of 52,465 were sedans ($635), 23,077 were convertible cabriolets ($615), 20,297 were five-passenger coupes ($595), and 28,379 were five-window coupes ($545). 5,634 were Landau Phaetons priced at $650.

As the Great Depression deepened, Chevrolet production declined, and for 1931 they built 619,554 cars. Ford sales were even worse, however, allowing Chevrolet to reclaim its 1st place in overall sales.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2021