The 1932 Chevy Series BA Confederate was the one-year successor to the Series AE Independence. The U.S. economy was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression and sales numbers were off by nearly 50%, so it was hardly Chevrolet’s most successful product line. This 4-door sedan has been in long-term storage, and we’re told it’s in better shape than the photos or its surroundings might suggest. Located in Westminster, California, this interesting project is available here on craigslist for $7,500 OBO. Kudos to “numskal” for the tip!
Changes to the 1931 vs. the 1932 Chevies weren’t significant, such as giving the windshield more of a slope and losing an external visor in the process. The engine was still the same, a 194 cubic inch “Stovebolt” inline-6 that produced 60 hp, a slight improvement. Only one transmission choice was available, a 3-speed synchro-mesh manual that had an interesting feature. If you took your foot off the accelerator, the car could coast for a short distance.
We’re told this 50,000-mile (or more) car is original, including the green paint. While we can’t see the car in its entirety, the seller says the body is in great shape without any rust protruding through the sheet metal. Wood was part of the construction in those days and – except for the part on the top – it’s said to be in good shape. We’re also told the engine is all there and turns over, which we assume means by hand. If you’re looking for a Depression-era automobile to restore, could this Chevy be the one?
I don’t know enough about these cars, I know the 32 Ford is really popular this being a Chevrolet might be more fun to have and get back on the road
I like the suicide doors. Wish there were more pictures. I know I shouldn’t say this but this would make a real nice street rod. Not many 4 doors can say that. Need more pictures
Davey Boy. Don’t say that!
I seem to recall that the upper level
Chevys for ’32 were styled similar to
that year’s Cadillac earning them the
title of baby Cadillacs. They looked
very handsome with those side mounted spare tires mounted on the front fenders and real wire rims to
round it all out. And if you think this
car looks great, you oughta see the
sedan delivery! MPC made a model
kit of it in ’66 or ’67 and I liked it so much that I ran to my local hobby
shop and bought it. It looked just like
this car. The rear doors opened and
closed and the front wheels turned
when you turned the steering wheel.
It sure was something when I got it
finished. Sure hope someone restores it.
Yet another tidy garage award winner for BF fans.
What do we have behind door #2 for this winner, Russ?
Bob
This is a 1931
Yes, it’s definitely a 1931 – not a ’32.
The hood sides are louvered, 1932s have 4 vent doors on each side of the hood, and a different radiator shell, etc. This car has a stone guard screen mounted to the front of the radiator that resembles a ’32 radiator shell; that might be the reason for the error.
The 1932, apart from the radiator shell, windscreen posts and hood louvres being chrome plated, the front peak of the front fenders also have a moulding all around the edge with a point at the extreme front. Mine was a Phaeton but I’m sure the sedans would have been much the same.
Can confirm – the 31 has a visor and this one has the holes for one in the front of the A pillar.
1931 – I have a 5W coupe….
This is a 1931 Chevrolet Special Sesdan!
I have the same coasting feature with the sticky accelerator in my ’65 Mercury!
Ditto to comments that it’s a 31. I had a 32 Confederate 4 dr sedan.
I hate to be a broken but we see so many of these old cars today for sale they are not worth restoring at today cost are you going to make your house payment buy food or buy this old junk sorry
Some of us have worked hard for many years and now have enough money to buy this “old junk” as you call it, restore it, pay the mortgage, and buy food. If you can’t afford to buy, or don’t have the enthusiasm for it, then don’t buy it as somebody else surely will.
You’re in the wrong hobby.
Someone else might confirm that the gearbox is not syncromesh but helical cut gears. If syncro was available it would only be on second & third gear. Helical cut gears (with dogs & no syncro) were normally advertised as being fitted on second & third with sliding gear on first & reverse. The helical being quieter as the gear teeth are always in mesh.
The ‘çoasting’ device is a Free-Wheel one way clutch. Basically it is a set of rollers inside a circular case with a multi-lobed cam shaped centre piece that locks up in one direction and free wheels in the other. It can allow gear changes without the clutch as the drive is disconnected. Other brands of cars had these fitted but they were phased out in the US around the end of 1934 due to some persons crashing their vehicles as there is no engine braking downhill. However, surprisingly after WW2 the British Rover 75 and some of its early post WW2 models appear to be fitted with the same or similar device.