By the early 1920s Chevrolet had abandoned its attempt to compete head-on with Ford’s Model T - Ford was able to drop its prices annually whereas Chevrolet's steadily rose - and re-positioned itself as a ‘middle market’ manufacturer whose products possessed a degree of refinement lacking in the Model T. The highly popular six-cylinder Chevrolets of the 1930s helped consolidate the company’s position as Ford’s chief rival, but until then its mainstay had been four-cylinder cars. Introduced in 1914, the first of these was the H Series, whose 171 cubic-inch (2.8-litre) overhead-valve engine would endure until the Six’s introduction in 1929. The 1928 Chevrolets were larger cars than before - their new 107 in wheelbase (previously 103 in) chassis paving the way for the forthcoming six - and featured four-wheel brakes for the first time. Chevrolet introduced its new range powered by the famous ‘Stovebolt’ overhead-valve six in 1929, the ‘Cast Iron Wonder’ being enthusiastically marketed as ‘a Six for the price of a Four’. Styled by Harley Earl at General Motors’ Art & Colour department, the new line was known as the ‘International’ in its first year, subsequently becoming the ‘Universal’ and then the ‘Independence’ in 1931.
This right-hand drive, export model Six was the subject of a ‘ground up’ restoration some time ago. Mellowed slightly, it remains in excellent cosmetic condition. A new hood will have been fitted and the dickey seat area re-trimmed by time of sale, while the remaining trim is excellent. The vehicle is believed to run and drive well, though the transmission is beginning to show signs that an overhaul may be due. Finished in red with black interior, the car is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to October 2006 and Swansea V5.