1931 Chevy Cabriolet

1931 Chevrolet Cabriolet - 80 MPH

My 1931 Chevrolet Independence Cabriolet still looks factory-fresh: two-tone light and dark green over black fenders, a brand-new black convertible top stretched tight. Chevrolet built just 23,077 Cabriolets that year—Fisher-bodied convertibles with roll-up windows and a rumble seat—out of 623,901 Independence cars.

The series earned its name. While Ford clung to a 40-horsepower four-cylinder Model A, Chevy offered an overhead-valve Stovebolt Six, a longer 109-inch wheelbase, and styling from Harley Earl’s studio. A well-tuned Cabriolet would run 80 mph and leave the Ford behind on both the highway and the sales charts. In 1931 Chevrolet took first place in America. This green-and-black example still explains why.

• New seatbelts

• New top

• New radial tires (6)