1931 Chevrolet AE Independence Sport Roadster
With the depression in full swing car sales plummeted. Chevrolet reduced production by 8% at the same time Ford saw sales fall 66%. Chevrolet was selling more cars and introduced the Chevrolet AE Independence. Even with an 8% drop, twelve models of the Independence were produced in 1931 with a total of about 620,000 cars manufactured.
For consignment, an unrestored 1931 Chevrolet AE Independence Sport Roadster, the 2 door, 2 passenger plus rumble seat version of the model. Cars without rumble seats were assembled in Flint, Michigan. Fold down extra seats must have been as novel to the public as lane assist is to us today. It was a feature that added a little something to the base roadster.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Rust oxide primer covers the car on relatively straight panels for a car that's nearly 100 years old. New for 1931 was the curved tie bar connecting the lights and an outstanding eagle ornament, both present here along with the wire spoke wheels which were also standard. The black fenders connect to a wide running board and the fenders have some bumps and bruises, some filler, and one welded square plate filling a hole. There is some rust on the body in places and some previous mud fixes and the fender paint may have been brushed on. The taillight lens is missing but the step for the rumble seat is present. The canvas top is beyond restoration, however the frame might be savable.
Interior
In true barn find condition inside as the bench seat frame is intact, but the leather upholstery is not. All gauges are in place and the steering wheel is in good shape as is the shifter knob on the floor mounted shifter. The floorboards are in place and a vintage Chevrolet electric fan is mounted in the passenger footwell. The rumble seat bottom fared a bit better than the cab bench but will still need restoration.
Drivetrain
A 193.9ci inline six cylinder is in place and was rated at 50 horsepower when new. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission with 3.82 gears in the back. Mechanical drum brakes are found on the front and rear.
Undercarriage
The deep patina here is made up of surface rust and some old grease, but otherwise intact and complete underneath. The car is equipped with leaf springs in the front and rear. We notice one belly pan with rust through, but the rest look whole. The single exhaust intersects a stock style muffler and proceeds to the rear bumper where it releases the exhaust.
Leave it in barn find condition and display it or roll up your sleeves and dig into this rarely seen 1931 Independence and restore it while there is still a knowledge base around who can help with the million questions you will undoubtedly have!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
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