Description

Chevrolet produced in excess of 623,000 cars in 1931, when its Series AE models carried the “Independence” name, but not more than a handful of them had a back story quite like this Sport Roadster, identifiable by its rumble seat. This Independence was originally sold new in Uruguay as a right-hand-drive car and stayed there until the family that bought it relocated to the United States in the late 1970s and sold it. The second owner converted it to left-hand drive and finished a restoration that had apparently begun in Uruguay, a process that gradually continued through the car’s third owner. This 1931 Chevrolet Independence Sport Roadster is fully documented, and has won trophies at car shows around Florida.

POWERTRAIN Chevrolet’s engine in 1931 was its “Cast-Iron Wonder,” its landmark 194-cu.in. OHV straight-six. With a compression ratio of 5.02:1, the engine received its fuel mixture via a Carter single-barrel carburetor and was rated by the manufacturer at 50 horsepower. The engine in this Independence is original to the car, based on its 1931-correct casting numbers, and the engine underwent a mechanical rebuild at an unspecified time. The engine retains its 6-volt electricals and starts readily from cold without smoke. No issues with the three-speed manual transmission’s functionality are reported. There is a fluid leak from the rear main seal. The engine bay presents as stock and spotless.

EXTERIOR The Chevrolet’s paint is flawless, with no body blemishes. The car is free of rust. The three-tone color scheme, with contrasting orange wire wheels, is correct for the car. Fisher bodies of this era had ash framing, and the wood was replaced during the restoration as needed. The chrome, convertible top, boot and side curtain were all new at the time of the restoration. The chrome is in very good condition, and the Independence has dual sidemount spares with chrome carriers. A Potter trunk is located on the rear rack. The car’s roadster top is in excellent condition, has never been in rain, and is equipped with side curtains. The glass is in excellent condition, and the 6-volt lighting is fully functional, including aftermarket turn indicators. The car’s underside is nearly spotless.

INTERIOR The interior bench and rear rumble seat on this Sport Roadster are covered in brown leather that is correct for the car, and appears in excellent condition, with no visible tears or soiling. The leather extends to the door panels and the rumble seat. The carpeting is in excellent, undamaged shape. No issues with the weatherstripping, including the rumble seat. The painted steel dashboard has all the appropriate knobs and small controls, and mounts gauges are fully functional, including a Chevrolet-branded clock.

CHASSIS The steering tracks straight and the mechanical brakes were replaced in the restoration and function excellently. The tires are estimated to have traveled several hundred miles.