1931 Chevrolet 570 SEDAN DELIVERY Independence (Sedan Delivery With Single Rear Door 109" Wheelbase)
In 1931, Chevrolet offered many different commercial models. This model is a 1931 Chevy Sedan Delivery. The 1931 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery was basically a two door sedan with no rear seat, metal rear quarter panels and a single rear door for access to the rear cargo compartment. It was built on a passenger car chassis and was considered a commercial car. It did not follow the design of the other passenger car bodies. This same body was used from 1928 to early-1932 on Sedan Deliveries. It had an exterior sun visor and 19 inch wire wheels.
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.
The Fisher Body aluminum tag on the firewall will show the Job Number for this commercial car as 31-570. The Sedan Delivery was a favorite of florists, grocers, department stores and other businesses that needed to deliver their wares to customers. It had a large cargo area with dimensions: 49-1/2" long x 44-1/4" wide x 42-1/4" high. The side panels and rear door were used to advertise the business. The 1931 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery sold new for $575.00.
Chevrolet advertising came up with this promotional information: "Meeting the long-existing demand for a commercial unit that combines the comfort and smartness of a passenger car with the strength and performance of the sturdiest truck design -- the Chevrolet Six Sedan Delivery is being hailed by users everywhere as the year's greatest contribution to the commercial car industry."
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 sedan delivery 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, including the sedan delivery 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 and sedan deliveries. 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, thermostat, seat covers, and more. The Chevrolet advertising theme for 1931 was "The Great American Value".