The old, found Chevy hits keep on coming! Last week it was this 1934 Master Six barn bound in Bozeman and today it’s a 1931 Phaeton tucked away in Tuscon Tucson. This example has been out of the barn, or wherever it calls home and is an actual driver – though it probably needs some work, let’s see what’s here. This neat two-door convertible is available, here on craigslist for $28,000. Matt R gets a nod and a wink for this discovery!

Chevrolet’s body style lineup wasn’t dissimilar to other manufacturers in ’31. There were coupes, roadsters, two and four-door sedans, and a rare Phaeton which is, in essence, a four-door convertible though Chevrolet produced a two-door version, such as this subject car and known as a “Landau Phaeton”. And, it’s a rare one too as the Classic Car Database states that of the 619K cars produced by Chevrolet in the depression year of 1931, only 852 were Phaetons. And now, owing to the effects of the downturned economy, that 619K total volume was less than half of 1929’s production of 1.3M copies.

The seller suggests, “Looks like old restoration from the 50’s“. I’m not sure how that can be determined (paint job perhaps?) but the body of this Phaeton, overall, is pretty sound. There is some noted surface rust but no signs of serious rot or physical damage. If anything, this is a complete car, minus the folding top fabric. But, the seller does mention that he has the top’s landau irons. A good wash could reveal an even brighter presentation.

The interior may be feeding some of that restoration suspicion. While in fair shape, it appears to be incorrect and leans more toward an amateur implementation. There is some observable water damage but the material is intact and not ripped or overly worn. The instrument panel is curious, it seems to be complete without vacancies but it’s finished in red which is peculiar. Also, the footwell floorboards show to be missing.

Drives this car does, and the seller adds, “Runs and drives tires are dry rotted but hold air. Brakes work engine runs good“. That engine running comes about thanks to a 50 HP, 193 CI, in-line six-cylinder powerplant working via a three-speed manual transmission. There is no accurate mileage listed or any details regarding possible engine improvements or rebuilding. It looks complete but is as it is.

Next step suggestions? Owing to this Phaeton’s rarity, I’d suggest a restore-to-original state. Yes, it’s easy for me to just recommend that as the hard part is the actual undertaking and there’s the cost, time, talent, interest level, etc. that needs to be present. And, as long as we’re on that front, in spite of this car’s low production volume, I think that price is going to need some downward pressure, what says you?