1931 Chevrolet 569 4 DOOR SEDAN Independence (Special Sedan With Side Mount Tires & Cowl Lights-109" W/Base)
In 1931, Chevrolet offered 12 different models of passenger cars. This model is a 1931 Chevy 4-Door Special Sedan, a deluxe version of the Standard Sedan. It came with dual side mounted spare tires, cowl lights, and curtains in the back seat windows. The 1931 Chevrolet Special Sedan 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. The Special Sedan was the second most popular Chevrolet in 1931 with a production run of 109,775 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 31-569. The Special Sedan was one of the most expensive Chevrolet cars in 1931 and sold new for $650.00. This car weighed 2,725 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 and other hardware 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 from the 1930 models 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, radiator stone guard, trunk rack and trunk, thermostat, seat covers, and more. The Chevrolet advertising theme for 1931 was "The Great American Value".