Chevrolet Independence (1931) "Millie"
Built in 1931 - the year of the Hawkes Bay Earthquake disaster - 'Millie' is the latest addition to the Napier Classic Cars fleet; she is perfectly in tune with Napier's Art Deco vibe and is ideal for touring Napier's world-famous Art Deco City & surrounds.
Millie was originally built at Chevrolet's Lower Hutt plant near Wellington, New Zealand and was fully restored 'from the ground up' after her rediscovery in 2004. She is now in mint condition and is an absolute joy to drive and ride in.
The Chevrolet Series AE Independence (or Chevrolet Independence) was an American vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet in 1931 to replace the 1930 Series AD Universal. Production slipped by about eight percent to 619,554 cars as the Great Depression continued, but as Ford's output plummeted by nearly two-thirds at the same time, Chevrolet reclaimed first place in the American car sales table.
Millie was originally built at Chevrolet's Lower Hutt plant near Wellington, New Zealand and was fully restored 'from the ground up' after her rediscovery in 2004. She is now in mint condition and is an absolute joy to drive and ride in.
The Chevrolet Series AE Independence (or Chevrolet Independence) was an American vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet in 1931 to replace the 1930 Series AD Universal. Production slipped by about eight percent to 619,554 cars as the Great Depression continued, but as Ford's output plummeted by nearly two-thirds at the same time, Chevrolet reclaimed first place in the American car sales table.
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The main change between the Series AE and the outgoing AD was two-inch increase to the wheelbase, which was now 109 in (2,768.6 mm). It remained powered by the "Stovebolt Six" 194 cu in (3,180 cc) six-cylinder engine, now producing 50 hp (37 kW). The 2-door Cabriolet, of which just over 23,000 were produced, could reach a top speed of 85 mph (136.8 km/h).
As the 1920s continued to roll on, Chevrolet abandoned its attempt to compete head-on with Ford's Model T. Ford were able to drop their prices annually, whereas Chevrolet's steadily rose. Chevrolet continued to move their product mid-market and as a result possessed a degree of refinement lacking in the Model T. In 1929, Chevrolet introduced its new range powered by the famous 194ci (3.2-litre) Stovebolt overhead-valve six-cylinder engine. The 1931 Independence received a higher, larger radiator along with a bowed tie bar carrying the headlights. Its hood gained vertical louvers on the raised side panels and wire wheels were now standard. Power and performance were continuations of the year before but with considerable refinement of the new-for-1930 six-cylinder engine that was refined and brought up to about 50 horsepower for 1931 |
Millie cruising the Art Deco City |
