Vehicle Description
Handsome older restoration in great colors. Smooth and torquey 194
cubic inch inline-6. Desirable roadster body style with sidemounts
and trunk rack. A rarer and more sophisticated alternative to the
usual Model A Ford!If you're going to have a sporting Chevy, you
may as well make it flashy. With red bodywork accented by cream
belt moldings and six wire wheels, this Chevy is definitely an
eye-catcher. Using traditional construction techniques with wood
framing under the sheetmetal, this Chevy was built at a time when
coachwork was still an art as much as a science. GM and Harley Earl
took that seriously and as a result, this entry-level Chevy looks
like a far more expensive car than it was. The styling resembles
the stuff coming out of the Fisher body works for LaSalle, arguably
GM's most stylish brand. Thanks to a quality restoration perhaps
10-12 years ago, this neat little roadster still looks fantastic
and it's possible that most folks won't even guess that it's an
affordable Chevrolet. Panel fit is quite good, the belt moldings
line up well, which is critical, and the hood snugs down without a
lot of effort. You'll also find lots of chrome to make it look
expensive, plus an accessory grille guard and metal covers on the
sidemounts, all of which add to the upscale look. In back there are
two taillights (one was standard) and this is a Deluxe model that
also includes cowl lights, twin horns, and two-bar bumpers. There's
just no angle from which this car doesn't look great.The black and
red vinyl interior isn't quite how they would have built it in
1931, but you can't argue with how it looks. The pleated pattern is
correct and the white piping mirrors the exterior color
combination. Map pockets are practical and the rubber floor mat
features Chevrolet bowtie emblems-a nice touch. The simple
instrument panel covers all the engine's vitals, including oil
pressure, temperature, amps, and fuel level, and they all appear to
be operational. Controls for the headlights moved from the steering
wheel hub to the dashboard as well, making everything intuitive and
easy to find. The big steering wheel gives the lightweight roadster
great maneuverability and while it's not synchronized, the 3-speed
manual transmission shifts smoothly with just a quick
double-clutch. Overhead there's a trim tan canvas convertible top
that fits beautifully and the rumble seat offers seating for two
passengers with the same color combination as the main cabin. The
real reason we like this Chevy is under the hood: 194 cubic inches
of overhead-valve inline-6. It's a few cubes smaller than the
Ford's 4-cylinder but it's infinitely more sophisticated and
smooth. It makes more power, too, and combined with a six's
inherent torque production, it's very drivable. 'Stovebolt' sixes
have always had a traditional look and this one is no different,
with the spark plugs on the right side and the manifolds on the
left, making it easy to service. You'll also note that this Chevy
uses a fuel pump, which was cutting-edge tech in 1931. The engine
was rebuilt during the restoration and runs great, starting easily
with just a bit of choke and pulling the lightweight roadster
around with real enthusiasm. It's still running a 6-volt electrical
system, but that's hardly a demerit because it's properly sorted.
As I mentioned, the transmission is a 3-speed manual, and with 4.10
gears out back, it's a comfortable 50 MPH cruiser, which is pretty
impressive. Brakes are still mechanical drums, but given the car's
modest performance and curb weight, they're more than adequate and
have a nice, firm pedal. The undercarriage is neatly detailed with
red painted wood floors and satin black hardware, so the contrast
is very appealing. A correct exhaust system gives it the proper
6-cylinder grumble. Six 19-inch wire wheels were painted to match
the belt molding and carry 5.00-19 Goodyear blackwalls for a very
correct look.This Canadian-built Chevrolet Independence roadster
has a lot to offer: bigger, faster, and more comfortable than a
Model A for not a lot more cash. Add in the relative rarity, great
looks, and bulletproof reliability, and you have a great hobby car
that delivers an ownership experience that's better than most. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
