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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Engine number: 22602207

As the 1920s continued to roll-on, Chevrolet abandoned its attempt to compete head-on with Ford's Model T. Ford was able to drop their prices annually whereas Chevrolets steadily rose. They continued to move their product mid-market and they possessed a degree of refinement lacking in the Model T.

In 1929, Chevrolet introduced its new range powered by the famous 194ci (3.2-liter) Stovebolt overhead-valve six-cylinder engine. Chevrolet marketed their new product as 'a Six for the price of a Four.' Wearing styling 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.

The 1931 Independence received a higher, larger radiator along with a bowed tie bar carrying the headlights. Its hood gained vertical louvers on the raised side panels and wire wheels were now standard.

This rumble-seat coupe is equipped with dual side mounts with covers, front and rear bumpers, pedestal mirrors, and a luggage rack. The car joined the Heritage Auto Museum Collection in 2003, and prior to this had been the property of Donald Sullivan of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to that, it was part of the W.A. Smith Museum in Flint, Michigan for many years.

by Dan Vaughan

The 1931 Chevrolet offered 12 different body styles ranging in price from $475 to $650. Chevrolet was well-established as an industry leader by this time; 1931 saw the production of the company's eight millionth car.

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 a 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 the 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.

Roadster

Built in Tarrytown, New York, the original cost of this Chevrolet was $495. It includes dual side mounts, pedestal mirrors, a touring trunk, dual taillights, wind wings, and a quail radiator mascot. This example is one of 42,050 Chevrolet Roadsters produced in 1931. It features a three-speed transmission and a 50-horsepower engine. The current owner purchased the car in 2018 and completed a full restoration to restore the vehicle to its original condition in 2019.

Roadster
Chassis number: 863573

This 1931 Chevrolet Roadster is equipped with a 194 cubic-inch engine with fifty horsepower and is backed by a three-speed transmission. There are dual side-mount spare tires, side-mount mirrors, a new accessory trunk, an accessory rearview mirror with clutch, custom-etched beveled glass wind wings, and a rumble seat. It was given a correct restoration and has added 858 miles since the work was completed.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: 565610
Engine number: 2306186

The Chevrolet AE Independence was introduced in January 1931 and was powered by a slightly more powerful 85 horsepower version of the Stovebolt Six engine first introduced in 1929. It had a wheelbase size that was extended by two inches to 109 inches, and with its top speed of about 85 mph, it had respectable performance considering its attractive price.

The Stovebolt engine was paired with a standard three-speed, three-speed, floor-shifted transmission that routed power to the rear wheels through a live rear axle. The front and rear axles were supported by parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs, providing both fine road-holding characteristics and unexpected comfort.

This 1931 Independence Sport Roadster has resided in a finely curated, private collection for nearly four decades. During the early part of this ownership, the car was meticulously restored by a consortium of marque specialists and refinished in the period-correct color scheme of cream, brown, and orange. There is a brown Spanish-grain interior, a Haartz cloth convertible top, and wide whitewall tires wrapped around color-matched wire wheels.

This Chevy has been upgraded for improved reliability and performance during touring use with a pair of twin, dual-barrel Edelbrock 94 carburetors, an Edmunds period aftermarket intake manifold, and a modern alternator and ignition wiring.

by Dan Vaughan