Introduced in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression, the Chevrolet BA-Series Confederate replaced the 1931 Independence model.
Despite economic headwinds, over 332,000 Confederates were sold in 1932, making it the USA’s best-seller – offered in variety of sedan, touring or coupé body styles, all powered by GM’s legendary "Stovebolt" six-cylinder engine, a unit renowned for its durability.
A three-speed synchromesh transmission was fitted and a freewheel mode called ‘Wizard Control’ was standard, which permitted the car to coast when the driver's foot was lifted from the accelerator, making it technologically advanced for its time.
This example is a beautiful restoration, completed in the USA and imported to the UK in 2007, where the vehicle remained with its first British owner until 2019. He used it for wedding hire purposes and kept it in tip-top condition. Since then, the car has been stored as part of a private collection but is now being sold to make way for some new acquisitions.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported in 2007
Full UK V5
Tax and MOT exempt
Previous MOTs
Original New Jersey certificate of title
Lot of invoices from previous ownership
Two A4 folders full of paperwork
Old photographs
Period sales brochure
Costs and repairs broken down by year
Always garaged since restoration
THE INTERIOR
Grey velour seats with matching door cards
Excellent headlining
Good grey carpets
Dash painted to match body and in good order
Rope grab handles
Some minor stains to front seat fabric
Wooden Chevrolet gear knob
Smart four-dial dash
Art-deco pull handles and window winders in excellent order
THE EXTERIOR
Very smart overall
Restored in early 2000s and well looked-after since
Generally excellent condition with a few minor scuffs and paint chips, but nothing of any importance
Underside appears extremely solid and is wax protected
White-painted 60-spoke wire wheels with Chevrolet “bow-tie” hubcaps and whitewall tyres
Good chrome all-round with only minor pitting
Ornate chrome ‘Chevrolet’ exhaust finisher
“Town and Country” air horns with different tones
Period fog and auxiliary driving lamps
‘Foxy Lady’ signature and Betty Boop graphics
Original lockable and detachable luggage trunk
Upgraded lighting system with electric indicators
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre “Stovebolt” straight-six
Low-revving, unstressed 60bhp unit renowned for its reliability and longevity
60k mileage believed correct
Three-speed syncromesh
Electric start
Drum brakes
Stainless exhaust system
New clutch, water pump, carburettor and brake overhaul in 2018 – little use since
Vendor reports that it drives well with no known faults or problems
SUMMARY
This is an absolutely gorgeous example of a fabulous 1930s vintage saloon, finished to a high standard and with a wonderful amount of originality retained.
It’s in lovely condition and, while it could be again used commercially for wedding hire, it would make a fine addition to any collection. Either way, it’s an exceptionally pretty thing and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
