1931 Chevrolet AE Independence: How GM Overtook Ford in the Great Depression

Chevy versus Ford was one of the ongoing battles of the 1920s. After realizing they could not compete with Ford’s reliable and affordable Model A, General Motors took a different approach to automotive design by focusing on power and luxury that was still in the budget of many Americans.

In 1931, Chevy overtook Ford. This was partially due to the Great Depression and falling automobile sales. But the relative luxury of the 1931 Chevy AE Independence along with the improved power made this the most popular car of the year. Those who were still purchasing cars during the Depression often sought higher end models and the superior performance of a Chevy AE Independence.

What Set the 1931 Chevy AE Independence Apart

On a technical level, the AE lineup was similar to the AD produced in 1929 and 1930. GM made some minor upgrades to the engine and performance, but relied heavily on an already superior engine when compared to Ford. The more notable update was in the build of the car which marked a departure from earlier automotive design.

The different features that made the 1931 Chevy more appealing than the competing Ford Model A included:

• Six-Cylinder Engine - Chevy debuted its 6-cylinder engine in 1929, and it was far more powerful than Ford’s 4-cylinder. In the 1931 model year, GM upgraded the engine to 85-hp, installed a sturdier engine block, and redesigned the clutch, steering, and vibration dampener for a smoother ride.
• Wooden Frame - While heavy Fords used mostly steel in their construction, Chevy used a composite body with a steel chassis and supports and a hardwood frame. This made the car significantly lighter.
• Longer Chassis - In terms of design, the 1931 Chevy Independence grew significantly. It was wider, but more importantly, it was 2 inches longer, bringing the overall length to 109 inches.
• Redone Styling - The longer body made for a sleeker design that felt far more stylish than the nearly decade old Model A. GM also added chrome plating, a larger grille, and wire spoke wheels as a standard.

The Chevy Independence, and its successor the Confederate, would keep GM on top of the car market only until 1933. Ford introduced the affordable V-8 engine in its 1932 lineup and the more powerful engine quickly overshadowed the 6-cylinder engine in the automobile market.

America’s First Station Wagon

The longer chassis on the 1931 Independence made it ideal for station wagons. Getting their name from their role in taking people to and from the train station, station wagons needed room for several passengers. Few auto manufacturers were producing a car that had this kind of space.

Instead, third party manufacturers would convert a Chevy chassis into a station wagon. These early wagons used high maintenance wooden siding and three rows of bench seats often with leather upholstery to create a six seat “woody” wagon. The Chevy’s 109 inch chassis was the most requested chassis by these third party manufacturers until Chevy introduced the all steel body Suburban station wagon in 1935.

Repairing and Restoring a 1931 Chevy Independence

Despite being produced in greater numbers than Fords of the same year, a 1931 Chevrolet AE Independence is a rare find. All of the AD and AE models were produced only for a short time between the height of the 4-cylinder and V-8 engines. The wooden framing also meant that the cars deteriorated rapidly.

Whether you are doing a complete rebuild of an original 1931 Chevy or need to keep your already restored car running, Vintage Auto Garage sells all of the parts, technical manuals, 12-volt conversion kits, and more to keep your vintage automobile show ready and running. Browse Chevy parts on our website or give us a call 800-516-4461.