1931 Chevrolet AE Independence 5-Window Coupe

Description

Chevrolet’s 1931 5-window coupe was part of the Series AE Independence line, a stylish and affordable model that helped Chevrolet dominate the early Depression-era market. It featured an all-steel body with wood framing in key areas, elegant sweeping fenders, and a rumble seat option. Powered by a 194ci inline-six producing around 50 horsepower, it offered reliability and refinement at a time when many competitors were struggling. This model became a favorite among collectors for its classic proportions and historical significance as one of Chevrolet’s most successful early coupes.  

Finished in blue with black fenders, this 1931 Chevrolet 5-window coupe has reportedly been displayed in multiple museums, including the Donald Sullivan Museum, and comes with documentation, original and reproduction owner’s manuals, and numerous award ribbons. The seller claims that this example retains its original metal body and wood accents, restored by specialists, and all gauges including the speedometer function properly, windows roll smoothly, and doors lock and shut with ease. Powered comes from a factory 194ci six-cylinder engine paired to a three-speed manual transmission.

This 1931 Chevrolet AE Independence 5-window coupe is now offered with documented pedigree, factory manuals, previous award ribbons, and a clean Kentucky title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Reportedly displayed at multiple museums in the past

• Longer 109” wheelbase

• Rumble seat

Factory Equipment

• 194 ci (3.2 L) inline-six “Stovebolt” OHV engine

• Carter carburetor

• 3-speed manual transmission

• Semi-elliptical leaf springs

• 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes

• All-steel body

• 6-volt electrical system

• 80-mph barrel-type speedometer

• Gauges for oil, amperage, water temp, and fuel

• Wire-spoke 19" wheels with steel hubcaps

• Cloth interior upholstery with vinyl trimmed rumble seat

Servicing & Documentation

• Restored to factory specifications under previous ownership

• Recent oil change and coolant flush

• Spring 2025: Replaced 6-volt ignition coil and battery

Known Imperfections

• Dry-rotted tires

• Rubber cracking on running board

Ownership History

This 1931 Chevrolet AE Independence coupe was acquired by the current owner in the summer of 2025. Since then, it has been stored alongside other collector cars and regularly displayed at local car shows. The seller states that the vehicle also completed several 100+ mile road trips during the past summer. Prior to current ownership, the coupe was part of the Heritage Auto Museum Collection, which it joined in 2003. Before that, it spent many years in the W.A. Smith Museum in Flint, Michigan. In 2014, the vehicle was sold at the Scottsdale auction in Arizona.

Included Items

• Factory manuals

• Previous award ribbons

• 1931 Michigan license plate