1931 Chevrolet 551 2 DOOR SEDAN Independence (2 Door Sedan Or Coach With 109" Wheelbase)
In 1931, Chevrolet offered 12 different models of passenger cars. This model is a 1931 Coach or 2-Door Sedan and was the most popular car that Chevrolet sold in 1931. The 1931 Chevrolet Coach had a body built by Fisher Body. Fisher Body cars of this era had a unique feature - Fisher VV Windshield - this stood for vision & ventilation. The windshield had a crank handle that would lift it straight up about 2-3 inches. This would allow air to flow in at the bottom of the glass, hit the curved dash and throw the cooler outside air down to the floor of the passenger compartment.
All cars & trucks in 1931 were part of the Independence series. Passenger cars & 1/2 ton models had a two-letter designation of AE. These letters can be found on the data (identification) plate that was nailed to the passenger side floor or seat frame. Overall production for 1931 Chevrolet models was 623,901, while the Coach (both Standard & Deluxe) held the number one position at a production run of 228,316 cars. During the 1931 production year, the 8 millionth Chevrolet was manufactured.
The Fisher Body aluminum tag on the firewall will show the Job Number for this car as 31-551. The Coach sold new for $545.00 and weighed 2,610 pounds. Though bumpers were still considered an extra cost accessory, early models of this car came with double bar bumpers, but a customer could order the new single bar bumpers in mid-year. Other standard features in 1931 were: chrome plated radiator shell, headlights, headlight bar, exterior door handles, hubcaps and tail light. Interior handles were nickel plated.
All cars came with a three-speed standard transmission, which had to be double clutched when shifted. Syncromesh transmissions would not be available until 1932. The wheelbase of 1931 Chevrolet cars was extended two more inches to 109 inches. The overhead valve six-cylinder engine is 194 cubic inches (cu. in.) displacement with 50 horsepower. It came with an updraft Carter 150S carburetor.
Passenger cars & half ton trucks came with four-wheel mechanical brakes, 9 inch clutch disc, differential gear ratio of 1:4.10. 19 inch wire wheels became standard on all 1931 Chevy passenger cars.
Accessories were available like a passenger side tail light, spot light, hot water heater, cowl lights, windshield defroster, fender mounted spare tires, spare tire lock, spare tire cover, cigar lighter, Viking or Eagle radiator cap, trunk rack and trunk, thermostat, seat covers, and more. The Chevrolet advertising theme for 1931 was "The Great American Value".