Chevrolet Independence (1931)

While Ford sold more than twice as many cars as Chevy, the exclusivity is what has drawn many hot rodders to their early cars. However, this hot rod couldn't be more far removed from the original Independence, which came with a 50bhp (37kW) motor which made just over 50mph (80km/h) possible. This car has a chopped five-window body channelled over the lightweight tube-frame chassis to get the car as close to the ground as possible. The front end has a drop beam connected via four locating bars and a transverse leaf spring, while the rear consists of a 9-inch (229mm) Ford live axle, again located by four adjustable bars. The 'Rat' motor is from a late 1960s Chevelle, being the big-block Chevy reworked to accept a Weiand supercharger with intercooler for more power. Made for acceleration, this car does the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at nearly 140mph (224km/h).

Chevrolet Independence (1931) Specifications