1931 Chevrolet Independence Deluxe--SOLD (Kansas) - $0
1931 Chevrolet Independence Deluxe AE Sedan For Sale or Trade
Two registered owners from new! This car was sold at Frame Chevrolet in Mineola, New York by Walter Frame to a local couple. Frame Chevrolet opened in 1928 on the Jericho Turnpike in Long Island. After the husband passed away, the wife sells the car back to Frame Chevrolet, now run by Walter's son RIchard Frame. The car was put into storage at the dealership and kept in the Frame family. Later the car was moved to the Frame family compound on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire where it was used as an occasional summer car. In the mid 1990s, Richard Frame gave the car to his son-in-law, Arthur 'Art" Cleary who also lived in New Hampshire. Cleary undertook a full frame off restoration, investing over $75,000 in the recommissioning of the car. Car had a complete new wood kit installed, and high quality repaint in the original maroon and black body.
Some history on the Independence, which Chevrolet introduced in 1931. 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. 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 as seen on this car. A new wheelbase of 109 inches, stretched from the previous year, ride quality improved across the Chevrolet line.
