1930 Chevrolet Standard Coupe
The Chevrolet Series AD Universal or Chevrolet Universal AD is a car which began sales in 1930. Available in a variety of body types including as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a delivery van. Total production was down due to the Wall Street Crash of 1929 while 864,243 were manufactured and 39,773 came from Oshawa. The 7th million Chevrolet since 1912 was built May 28, 1930, at Flint assembly plant. The Series AD was launched as replacement for the AC, the AD retained the new "stovebolt" overhead valve 194ci inline 6-cylinder from the AC, but with bigger intake valves and smaller exhaust valves, along with a new manifold, raised power from 46hp to 50hp. The suspension now included hydraulic shock absorbers and the fuel gauge was moved from the tank to the dash panel, along with an angled, non-glare windshield and new instrument gauges with circular shapes and black faces, smaller 19" wheels using wire spokes while hickory spoke wheels were now optional.
For consignment, a 60,244 actual mile 1930 Chevrolet Standard coupe that was the beneficiary of a full restoration back to factory specs by a previous owner in 1988. With the entire car redone in mostly original and NOS GM parts, you can't ask for a better version of the AD Standard, oh wait, you can. How about the AACA National First award in 1996....1930 never looked so good.
Exterior
Not unlike more expensive rivals, this car is constructed of hardwood framing all wrapped in steel. Interestingly this would be the Achilles heel for Chevrolet and this year due to the fact more Fords than these survived. So, what we have is somewhat rare and all in very nice condition. The 1930 Series AD's have a graceful look shared by their ancestors that allowed fine proportions; their bodies rode on a stronger channel-section frame with four crossmembers. A chromed tall radiator surround sports a black honeycomb radiator complete with the Chevrolet logo in the top center. Chromed headlamps sit on a black tie bar over the twin barred chrome front bumper. Body by Fisher, this cowled hood with vertical windscreen is bathed in maroon paint with black roofline, and running boards. Some slight chips and inclusions are seen but nothing truly noteworthy. Seen on the running boards are black rubber inserts for entrance and exit traction. This nicely curved version also has a trunk on back which is flanked by taillights that are mounted on stalks. The trunk is not for traditional storage as when opened provides access to the black vinyl rumble seat, the perfect place for my mother-in-law. Burgundy wheels in 19-inch format are wrapped in like new blackwall rubber on all 4 corners and the single spare mounted out back.
Interior
A swing of either of the 2 doors and we can see the quality of the restoration and attention to detail did not stop with just the body. Tan mohair in tufted and buttoned form now covers the reconditioned seat frame. A beautifully restored wooden rimmed steering wheel fronts the near perfect dash that presents in maroon and black. Factory original and restored gauges line the dash along with various knobs and pulls. A correct black rubber front mat covers the floors and looks just dandy.
Drivetrain
Under the cowls is a 194ci OHV straight 6-cylinder engine in restored condition. It is topped with a 1bbl and makes 50hp. Both the OHV design and the horsepower rating were both ahead of Ford in both technology and horsepower. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back and a rear axle weighing in at a 3.82 ratio brings up the tail. All restored and looking tops!
Undercarriage
Solid and well restored here. Black painted framing and wooden floors show with almost no faults. The only rust worth noting is simply surface rust on some of the untreated hardware. 11-inch mechanical drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and leaf springs are all here too. A single exhaust system takes spent fossils to the rear of the car and shows in good condition.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and press of the foot starter and this AD sprang to life. All functions were working swimmingly during our drive and as the norm for mechanical brakes well planned stopping is required. We did run into a snag while behind the wheel. The fuel system, while containing fresh fuel has some contaminants within and causes the engine to starve. This one of our few test drives that had to return to our Hallowed Halls on the hook.
A nicely restored example of a not oft seen car. No stone was left unturned, and the quality of this build shows it. With some light tinkering it will be ready to be driven on tours or to shows this car is ready for you to enjoy. But first you have to drive and visit the Classic Auto Mall so you can sink into the soft mohair and see this beauty in person.
21A58921
21-Janesville, WI Assy Plant
A-Missing Digit, Should Be AD Signifying A 1931 Universal
58921-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
JOB 30557-Standard Coupe
J7217-Janesville Body #
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
