Vehicle Description
1931 Chevrolet Landau Phaeton
From late 1931 to mid 1932, Chevrolet decided to produce a Fisher
body styled car with the capability to haul 5 passengers, have roll
up windows, and a convertible. So called "all weather sedans" these
were available in the Cadillac and Buick lines, so the thinking was
to make a cheaper version for the average working family. Producing
only 800 units during this time, a massive fire at the plant
destroyed many of these coupes. Also, the remaining ones were
victims of dismal sales due to the price point being almost 2 times
the cost to purchase a Ford Vicky. In desperation, GM salvaged
parts from the remaining cars, and crushed the bodies. It is
believed 80 to 90 percent of these non-fire damaged, unsold units
were destroyed.
As a result, we offer this extremely rare, extremely well done,
concours quality automobile, that has only won first place in every
competition it has been entered into. It was invited to Pebble
Beach in 2016, however couldn't be judged, because there were no
others to compete against! It has been shown for 28 years, and the
current consigner has himself only laid eyes on 1 other example,
but it was in poor condition.
Exterior
Coffee Cream paint in absolutely perfect condition is seen on
perfectly straight, nicely gapped panels on every corner of this
car. Black fenders and running boards frame wide whites with spoked
wheels in a beautiful Swamp Holly Orange, which makes for just an
incredible visual color combination. With a consigner stated 36K
original miles, this car is loaded with rare options which include
a deluxe body, deluxe bumpers, twin horns, twin cowl lights, an
unheard-of twin windshield wiper, twin side mounts, and twin
taillights. Also, noteworthy a rear luggage rack, leather trunk,
front stone guard, and a custom car cover. All of this stopped with
a fawn colored canvas top in pristine condition.
Interior
Full leather for the front buckets and rear bench which are
flawless and have padding like the day they were upholstered.
Leather door panels matching the seating have a pocket and very
nicely chromed window cranks, pulls and openers. A shout out to the
door sills and windowsills which are lacquered walnut. A rare GM
style hot water heater is added, as well as ashtrays for the rear
occupants. Comfortable tan carpeting covers the floors, and up
front is a full-length rubber mat protecting the front passenger
carpeting. An interesting painted art deco-esque swirl patterned
instrument dash sits proudly in the center and shows off the
old-style essential gauges. The windows crank up and down so
smoothly, you would think they are power windows if your arm was
not cranking them! You have to love the top when it's down in its
bunched up form at the rear. One can harken back to an era where
you are cruising along with your straw hat, and flapper seated next
to you getting lipstick on your starched collar as you navigate off
the beaten path dirt road.
Drivetrain
Much like it is directly off the factory line this inline
6-cylinder with a 194ci displacement is fed by an updraft
carburetor, which GM rolled out only 1 year. A 3-speed manual
transmission rolls in un-synchro meshed style but shifts smoothly
once warmed up.
Undercarriage
In a word or two just as pristine as the topside, with its
mechanical drum brakes and simple leaf spring suspension all
around.
The consigner states he is parting with this car because there is
nothing else to win with it! This sums up this much awarded
beautiful rare Chevrolet wind up window convertible (All Weather
Sedan), with virtually every option one could get in the day. Truly
Concours. Truly Rare.
VIN Decode
8AE31900
8-Atlanta GA Assy Plant
AE-Independence Model
31900-Sequential Unit Number
Full Paint Code Breakdown
Color Combination No. 80
Hood Black
Hood Moulding Stripe Aurora Red
Wire Wheels Aurora Red
Body Black
Door & Quarter Belt Insert Aurora Red
Body Stripe Aurora Red
Instrument Panel Black
Trim Breakdown
15 Leather Cushions and Backs
Imitation Leather Side Walls
Cloth Top Lining
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.