The 1930 Universal Series AD was similar in design to its predecessor, the 1929 International Series AC, but featured several key changes, including a tilted windshield to reduce glare, a 4 horsepower increase, shock absorbers, a dashboard fuel gauge, smaller wheels, and wider tires. 

Bumpers were still a costly feature, but wire wheels became a no-cost option mid-1930. Previously such wheels were reserved for ‘sport’ models. Chevrolet heavily advertised the increase to a 6-cylinder engine. During the lifespan of the Universal AD, the gap between Ford and Chevrolet narrowed, in part due to a 5% price reduction in Chevrolet prices. 640,980 models were produced across nine variants ranging in prices from $495 to $695. 

---

Production Year:
 
Model Type:
 
Body Style:
 
Engine:  
 
Horsepower:
 
Price: 
 
Body Number:
 
Job Number:
 
Plant Location:
 
Enhancements:

1930
 
Universal Series AD
 
2-Door Coupe
 
6-Cylinder
 
50HP
 
$565.00 (see ads to the right)
 
30557 (first set is year, underline is body style)
 
J3711 (auto count that year begin at 110)
 
Janesville, Wisconsin

Martin-Parry Corporation, with a facility in Janesville next door to the Chevrolet factory, was the largest American provider of aftermarket enhancements across all makes and models before being bought out by Chevrolet in 1930. This coupe has had a light delivery chassis modification made where the trunk was removed and a pickup style flat bed installed centered on the rear axle. Among auto enthusiasts it is estimated that less than five or six of this 1930 Chevy coupe modification might style exist. 

Our Chevrolet was found in a Wisconsin barn in 2013 and donated to the Chudnow Museum

The wheels newly restored on Chevy outside Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear in 2015

Chevrolet Ad in April 5, 1930 edition of The Saturday Evening Post

Instrument panel sketch from the manual

The Coupe as it looked before Martin-Parry's enhancements

Become a Sponsor of this Restoration Project: