The Chevrolet Series AE Independence (or Chevrolet Independence) is an American vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet in 1931 to replace the 1930 Series AD Universal. Calendar year production slipped by about eight percent to 627,104 cars as the Great Depression continued, but as Ford's output plummeted by nearly two-thirds, Chevrolet reclaimed first place in the American car sales table, and the 8th million car was produced August 25, 1931.[1][2] Yearly appearance changes, technical updates and standard or optional features for 1931 included the introduction of the "eagle" radiator ornament, a curved tie-bar connecting the headlights, wire- spoked wheels became standard equipment, while optional equipment listed front and rear bumpers, covers for side mounted spare tires, spotlights and guide lamps that would turn with the front tires. William S. Knudsen was joined with M. E. Coyle as General Managers.[2] In May 1925 the Chevrolet Export Boxing plant at Bloomfield, New Jersey was repurposed from a previous owner where Knock-down kits for Chevrolet, Oakland, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac passenger cars, and both Chevrolet and G. M. C. truck parts are crated and shipped by railroad to the docks at Weehawken, New Jersey for overseas GM assembly factories.[2] Dedicated body style production continued while assignment changed from previous years based on demand.[2]
| code | city | body style |
|---|---|---|
| 1AE | Flint Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger Roadster |
| 2AE | Tarrytown Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger Sport Roadster w/2-passenger rumbleseat |
| 3AE | St. Louis Assembly | 4-door 5-passenger Phaeton |
| 5AE | Kansas City Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger Coupe |
| 6AE | Oakland Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger Sport Coupe w/2-passenger rumbleseat |
| 8AE | Lakewood Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger 5 window Coupe |
| 9AE | Norwood Assembly | 2-door 5-passenger Coach |
| 12AE | Buffalo Assembly | 4-door 5-passenger Sedan |
| 21AE | Janesville Assembly | 4-door 5-passenger Special Sedan |
| 21AE | Janesville Assembly | 2-door 5-passenger Coupe |
| 21AE | Janesville Assembly | 2-door 2-passenger Cabriolet w/2-passenger rumbleseat |
| 21AE | Janesville Assembly | 2-door 5-passenger Landau Phaeton |
- ^ "1931 Chevrolet Series AE Independence". How Stuff Works. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ a b c d e Kimes, Beverly R. (1996). Clark, Henry A. (ed.). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1945. Kraus Publications. pp. 283–302. ISBN 0873414780.