Chevrolet Series AE Independence

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Chevrolet Series AE Independence
1931 Chevrolet Independence AE Special Sedan KHZ.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Also calledBedford W-Series (for trucks assembled in the United Kingdom)
Model years1931 (production of Bedford trucks in the United Kingdom continued until 1939)
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 2-door roadster
  • 2-door coupe
  • 4-door sedan
  • 4-door tourer
LayoutFR layout
PlatformGM A platform
RelatedPontiac Series 401
Powertrain
Engine194 cu in (3.2 L) OHV 6-cylinder
Dimensions
Wheelbase109 in (2,768.6 mm)
Length159 in (4,038.6 mm)
Curb weight2,275–2,725 lb (1,032–1,236 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Series AD Universal
SuccessorChevrolet Series BA Confederate
Bedford M-Series (trucks assembled in the United Kingdom only)

The Chevrolet Series AE Independence (or Chevrolet Independence) is an American vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet in 1931 to replace the 1930 Series AD Universal. Calendar year production slipped by about eight percent to 627,104 cars as the Great Depression continued, but as Ford's output plummeted by nearly two-thirds, Chevrolet reclaimed first place in the American car sales table, and the 8th million car was produced August 25, 1931.[1][2] Yearly appearance changes, technical updates and standard or optional features for 1931 included the introduction of the "quail" hood ornament, a curved tie-bar connecting the headlights, wire- spoked wheels became standard equipment, while optional equipment listed front and rear bumpers, covers for side mounted spare tires, spotlights and guide lamps that would turn with the front tires. William S. Knudsen was joined with M. E. Coyle as General Managers.[2] In May of 1925 the Chevrolet Export Boxing plant at Bloomfield, New Jersey was repurposed from a previous owner where Knock-down kits for Chevrolet, Oakland, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac passenger cars, and both Chevrolet and G. M. C. truck parts are crated and shipped by railroad to the docks at Weehawken, New Jersey for overseas GM assembly factories.[2] Dedicated body style production continued while assignment changed from previous years based on demand.[2]

Factory of origin[2]
code city body style
1AE Flint Assembly 2-door 2-passenger Roadster
2AE Tarrytown Assembly 2-door 2-passenger Sport Roadster w/2-passenger rumbleseat
3AE St. Louis Assembly 4-door 5-passenger Phaeton
5AE Kansas City Assembly 2-door 2-passenger Coupe
6AE Oakland Assembly 2-door 2-passenger Sport Coupe w/2-passenger rumbleseat
8AE Lakewood Assembly 2-door 2-passenger 5 window Coupe
9AE Norwood Assembly 2-door 5-passenger Coach
12AE Buffalo Assembly 4-door 5-passenger Sedan
21AE Janesville Assembly 4-door 5-passenger Special Sedan
21AE Janesville Assembly 2-door 5-passenger Coupe
21AE Janesville Assembly 2-door 2-passenger Cabriolet w/2-passenger rumbleseat
21AE Janesville Assembly 2-door 5-passenger Landau Phaeton

Specification[]

1931 Chevrolet Truck

The main change between the Series AE and the outgoing AD was two-inch increase to the wheelbase, which was now 109 in (2,768.6 mm). It remained powered by the "Stovebolt Six" 194 cu in (3,180 cc) six-cylinder engine, now producing 50 hp (37 kW). The 2-door Cabriolet, of which just over 23,000 were produced, could reach a top speed of 85 mph (136.8 km/h).[3] As refinement continued rubber engine mounts were now used to minimize vibration from entering the passenger cabin and a heater was optionally available. The Phaeton body style meant it was a four passenger convertible.[2] The Art and Color studio headed up by Harley Earl began to consolidate the appearance of all GM products which meant that for each year all GM cars looked the same with the careful observer able to distinguish the different brands. To the casual observer, the Chevrolet was more plain than the top level Cadillac while the luxury car was essentially longer with more chrome exterior features.[2]

Bedford WL[]

A 1931 Bedford W truck
A Bedford W bus version

The truck versions of the Independence were also produced in the United Kingdom by Bedford Vehicles in Luton, under the name Bedford W-Series. They were produced from 1931 to 1939,[4] from knock-down kits, but received many updates and modernizations during their production run, eventually receiving a new cab but the chassis remained the same. It also served the basis for the truck, which were slightly different.[5]

It was replaced by the Bedford M-Series range of trucks that had a similar cab style but were based on a different chassis. The truck was produced in two versions. The WG (that signified short-wheel base variants) and WL (that signified long-wheel base variants).[5]

Specifications[]

  • Bedford WHG - 2 tonner version with an 10ft 11in wheelbase.
  • Bedford WLG - 2 tonner version with an 13ft 1in wheelbase.
  • Bedford WS - 1.5 tonner version with an 10ft 11in wheelbase
  • Bedford WM - 2.2 tonner version with an 10ft 12in wheelbase.
  • Bedford RM - 2.3 tonner version with an 10ft 15in wheelbase.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "1931 Chevrolet Series AE Independence". How Stuff Works. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Kimes, Beverly R. (1996). Clark, Henry A. (ed.). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1945. Kraus Publications. pp. 283–302. ISBN 0873414780.
  3. ^ "1931 Chevrolet Independence". LeMay Museum. Archived from the original on 2013-04-15. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  4. ^ "Bedford: W Series". Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Bedford WHG / WLG". Retrieved 30 September 2021.
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