Vehicle Description
1930 Chevrolet Universal Special Sedan
The Chevrolet Series AD Universal or Chevrolet Universal AD is a
car which began sales in 1930. Available in a variety of body types
including as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a delivery van. Total
production was down due to the Wall Street Crash of 1929 while
864,243 were manufactured and 39,773 came from Oshawa. The 7th
million Chevrolet since 1912 was built May 28, 1930, at Flint
assembly plant. The Series AD was launched as replacement for the
AC, the AD retained the new "stovebolt" overhead valve 194ci inline
6-cylinder from the AC, but with bigger intake valves and smaller
exhaust valves, along with a new manifold, raised power from 46hp
to 50hp. The suspension now included hydraulic shock absorbers and
the fuel gauge was moved from the tank to the dash panel, along
with an angled, non-glare windshield and new instrument gauges with
circular shapes and black faces, smaller 19" wheels using wire
spokes while hickory spoke wheels were now optional.
For consignment, a 1930 Chevrolet Universal Special that was the
beneficiary of a full restoration back to factory specs by a
previous owner in 1999 using an almost rust-free body, (2 pinholes
in the one door). With the entire car redone in mostly original and
NOS parts, you can't ask for a better version of the AD
Special....1930 never looked so good.
Exterior
Not unlike more expensive rivals, this car is constructed of
hardwood framing all wrapped in steel. Interestingly this would be
the Achilles heel for Chevrolet and this year due to the fact more
Fords than these survived. So, what we have is somewhat rare and
all in very nice condition. The 1930 Universal Series AD's took on
a more graceful appearance than their competition. Starting with a
nearly rust free body, new oak framing was installed and then the
near virgin sheetmetal was bathed in a combination of maroon and
black. The exterior restoration consists of new wheel well being
welded into the quarter panels, new replacement aprons and running
boards were added on along with NOS & restored fenders, and
original gas tank and radiator aprons. All new rubber and chrome
was also put on during the restoration and even a set of early 1930
double bar bumper blades were added. The only flaw we saw in the
chrome is a 1/4" mark on the radiator shell. BF Goodrich Silvertown
wide whitewall tires adorn maroon and black artillery style wheels
on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of any one of the 4 doors and we can see the quality of the
restoration and attention to detail did not stop with just the
body. Mocha mohair and trimmings courtesy of Hampton Coach now
cover the new and reconditioned seat frames. A beautifully restored
wooden steering wheel fronts the near perfect dash that presents in
maroon and black. Factory original and restored gauges line the
dash along with various knobs and pulls. A correct black rubber
front mat and rear carpet covers the floors and looks just dandy.
Expertly reconditioned chrome buckets along with a correct olive
drab footrest and correct robe rails and side handle loops show in
the rear.
Drivetrain
Under the cowls is a 194ci OHV straight 6-cylinder engine in
restored condition is seen. It is topped with a 1bbl and makes
50hp. Both the OHV design and the horsepower rating were both ahead
of Ford in both technology and horsepower. A 3-speed manual
transmission is on back and a rear axle weighing in at a 4.10 ratio
brings up the tail. All restored and looking tops!
Undercarriage
Solid and well restored here. Black painted framing and wooden
floors show with almost no faults. The only rust worth noting is
simply surface rust on the exhaust system. 11-inch mechanical drum
brakes are on all 4 corners, and leaf springs are all here too. A
single exhaust system takes spent fossils to the rear of the car
and shows in good condition.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and press of the foot starter and this AD sprang
to life. Our consignor wasn't kidding when he told us how smooth
this engine is. All functions were working swimmingly during our
drive and as the norm for mechanical brakes well planned stopping
is required.
A nicely restored example of a not oft seen car. No stone was left
unturned, and the quality of this build shows it. Ready to be
driven on tours or to shows this car is ready for you to enjoy. But
first you have to drive and visit the Classic Auto Mall so you can
sink into the soft mohair and see this beauty in person.
VIN DECODE
12AD48451
12-Buffalo, NY Assy Plant
AD-Universal Series
48451-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
JOB NO.-30559-Special Sedan
BODY NO.-B11556-Buffalo Body #
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.