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

1931 Chevrolet AE Independence Vehicle Profiles

1931 Chevrolet AE Independence vehicle information
Sport Roadster

Chassis #: 565610
Engine #: 2306186
1931 Chevrolet AE Independence vehicle information
Roadster

Chassis #: 863573
1931 Chevrolet AE Independence vehicle information
Coupe

Engine #: 22602207

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1931 AE Independence
$664-$18,000
1931 Chevrolet AE Independence Price Range: $497 - $664

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Related Automotive News

2014 Corvette Stingray Starts At $51,995

2014 Corvette Stingray Starts At $51,995

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of %2451,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at %2456,995. Both prices include a %24995 destination fee but exclude tax, title, and license. The 2014...
Kia Motors Announces Pricing For All-New 2014 Cadenza Premium Sedan

Kia Motors Announces Pricing For All-New 2014 Cadenza Premium Sedan

Kias Flagship Sedan Offers Premium Amenities at a Starting Price of %2435,1001 MSRP The most powerful and technologically advanced Kia in the U.S. market is defined by European-influenced styling and extraordinary levels of refinement and amenities ...
Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels 2013: Attractive wheels for the summer

Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels 2013: Attractive wheels for the summer

When winter slowly draws to a close and temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius are to be expected on a lasting basis, it is time to switch to summer tyres. This is also just the time to upgrade your car with a set of attractive light-alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz...
Major improvements for upgraded Kia Sorento

Major improvements for upgraded Kia Sorento

Fresh, new look exterior with LED lights and 19-inch alloy wheels Extensive range of new convenience and safety technologies Kias hugely successful Sorento SUV will receive a host of significant improvements when the new upgraded mode...
Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

New Citroën Racing driver, Thierry Neuville, will be putting DS3 WRC through its paces on the hill climb %26 Forest Rally Stage Hot blooded 256bhp DS4 Racing concept making its UK premiere on the Citroën stand New Citroën DS5 taking part in the Mo...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.