1930 Chevrolet Universal AD--SOLD (Massachusetts) - $0
1930 Chevrolet Universal AD Sedan. This is a remarkable find. An original unrestored survivor in great running condition. This is a very special car. Chevrolet launched the Series AD in 1930, replacing the previous AC models. The AD retained the new "stovebolt" 194 cubic inches (3.2 L) six-cylinder engine from the Series AC, but with bigger intake valves and smaller exhaust valves, along with a new manifold, raised power from 46 hp (34 kW) to 50 hp (37 kW). The suspension now included hydraulic shock absorbers and the fuel gauge was moved from the tank to the dash panel.
This car was purchased new at the Forest City Motor Company in Portland, Maine, by Mrs. Alice Rhodes of Biddeford, Maine. The dealer tire cover is still on the spare mounted on the rear. After many years with the original family, the car was purchased by a local collector, a long-time town official and state representative. The car was carefully stored in an old wooden barn in Kennebunk, Maine. The exterior paint is original (except fenders) and though it has a few age spots it presents beautifully. Maroon body with black fenders, black top with original black soft top. Maroon wheels. The car is equipped with some period accessories, including the "STOP" light in the rear. The car starts right up, idles quietly, and shifts easily (though it clearly prefers double-clutching). Mechanical brakes have nice strong pressure. Horn works intermittenly. Emergency brake works well. Odometer shows 60000 miles, believed correct and original. The front fenders appeared to have been repainted at some point, but the rest of the car is breathtakingly original.
Firestone 4.75/5.00-19 Gum Dipped wide whitewall tires in good condition. The interior is complete and original. There are three window shades--back window and side windows--that operate perfectly, including the original tassel pull.
The car's original owner has a remarkable story. Mrs. Alice Rhodes was born February 15, 1875--she would have celebrated her 140th birthday this year. She married George Rhodes who ran the livery stable in Biddeford, Maine. Since he was the horse and wagon guy in town, they never owned an automobile. When Alice was 50 years old she told her husband it was time they joined the modern age and buy an automobile. He declined, so she bought it herself, travelling up to the big city of Portland to buy the car at the city's original auto mile--on Forest Avenue. When she brought the car home, she rented a garage nearby so she could keep her beloved Chevrolet inside. Her granddaughter, Barbara, now almost 80 herself, recalls the care and attention her grandmother Alice devoted to her car. "Whenever it rained, we would help her wipe it down with towels and then place blankets over it in the garage to protect the car." The granddaughter recalls that Alice always wore white gloves while she drove the car, usually ferrying her society friends for the civic work running the Community Mission, a Depression-era version of a soup kitchen and shelter. The granddaughter has a wonderful family scrapbook with many clippings about Alice's volunteer work in her community.
This Chevrolet was the only car Alice Rhodes ever owned. She would drive it on Sundays to meet her son (Barbara's Dad Carl) and his family at the general store he owned in Goodwin Mills, Maine--a store still operating today! After her 80th birthday, Alice renewed her State of Maine drivers license using this car--and that license renewal document is part of the car's records. Alice lived to be 88 years old and passed away just two days after President Kennedy was gunned down in November 1963.
