1931 Chevrolet 571 LANDAU PHAETON Independence (Landau Phaeton With Roll Up Windows & Rear Seat - 109" Wheelbase)
In 1931, Chevrolet offered 12 different models of passenger cars. This model is a 1931 Chevy Landau Phaeton, a convertible version of the Five Passenger Coupe both which were introduced in 1931. This car was a four passenger model and could be considered the forerunner of today's convertibles. It was the first convertible model that had room for four people inside and had roll-up windows instead of plastic curtains. It is considered a closed model even though it is a convertible. With all the windows up, it provides protection from the elements, like all of the other closed models. The 1931 Chevrolet Landau Phaeton had a body built by Fisher Body.
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 Landau Phaeton was the least popular of the three new models offered in 1931 and had a low production run of only 5,634 cars. This makes it one of the rarest Chevrolets in 1931. 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 31-571. The Landau Phaeton was one of the most expensive Chevrolet cars in 1931 and sold new for $650.00. This car 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 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".