De Vaux

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De Vaux radiator badge, 1931 to 1932

The De Vaux was built by De Vaux-Hall Motors in 1931 and 1932 at factories in Oakland, California and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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History

On January 3, 1931 Durant Motors of California was renamed De Vaux-Hall Motors Corporation, and the De Vaux car was introduced the same day. The first De Vaux 6-75 came off the production line on April 1, 1931. Late that summer an “improved” 6-75 was announced with free wheeling as standard equipment.

The De Vaux 80 was announced in January 1932. De Vaux-Hall Motors filed for bankruptcy on February 10, 1932, and on February 18 Continental Motors Corporation bought the De Vaux name and the company’s Michigan assets. The Continental De Vaux Company was incorporated in March 1932 and introduced the Continental-De Vaux 80 in April. From 1933 the car was sold as the Continental.

Models

1931 De Vaux 6-75

Special features

  • 70 horsepower, L-head design, Hall engine
  • Six port intake manifold
  • 113″ wheelbase
  • Free Wheeling offered as an option ($20.00 extra)
  • Extra long springs controlled by double action Houdaille Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
  • Steeldraulic four-wheel brakes
  • Timken bearings
  • Spiral bevel gears in rear axle
  • 6 inch frame with 2-1/4″ flange
  • Staunch “customized” Hayes bodies constructed of unit-welded steel and selected hardwood
  • Bodies completely insulated against cold in winter and heat in summer

Body styles and prices

Body stylePrice
Standard Coupe 2
Standard Sedan 3
Sport Coupe – Rumble 4
Sport Sedan 5
De Luxe Coupe 6
De Luxe Sedan 7
Custom Coupe (see note 8)$795.00
Custom Sedan (see note 9)$795.00
1931 prices, US dollars, f.o.b. Grand Rapids

Note 2: Wheels: Wood – painted (natural wood or 5 Wire – $10.00 list extra). Upholstery: Bedford Cord; Finish: One tone lacquer – Enameled Sheet Metal, Black Headlights, Chromium Rim; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers.

Note 3: Wheels: Wood – painted (natural wood or 5 Wire – $10.00 list extra). Upholstery: Bedford Cord; Finish: One tone lacquer – Enameled Sheet Metal, Black Headlights, Chromium Rim; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers. dome light, smoking tray, quarter window lifts, silk curtain on rear window, tailored door pockets and robe rail. Front seat is adjustable two inches.

Note 4: Wheels: Five Wire. Upholstery: Mohair; Finish: One or two tone lacquer – Enameled Sheet Metal, Full Chromium Headlights, Chromium Cowl mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers. driver’s seat and rear window are adjustable. Tailored door pocket.

Note 5: Wheels: Five Wire. Upholstery: Mohair – with Arm Rests; Finish: One tone lacquer – Enameled Sheet Metal, Full Chromium Headlights, Chromium Cowl mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings, Quarter Curtains, Robe Rail, Foot Rest; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers.

Note 6: Wheels: Five Wire. Upholstery: Mohair; Finish: Two tone lacquer – Laquered Sheet Metal, Chromium Headlights, Chromium Cowl mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings, Walnut interior trim; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers.

Note 7: Wheels: Five Wire. Upholstery: Mohair – with Arm Rests; Finish: One or two tone lacquer – Laquered Sheet Metal, Chromium Headlights and Tie bar, Chromium Cowl mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings, walnut interior trim, Satin finish metal Robe Rail, upholstered Foot Rest and other refinements; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, tire and tube, Tire lock, Houdaille two-way Shock Absorbers. Arm rests, silk curtains at quarter windows and rear, assist cords, dome light, tailored door pockets, two smoking trays. Front seat is adjustable. rear quarter windows are adjustable.

Note 8: Wheels: Six Wire. Upholstery: Mohair; Finish: One or two tone lacquer – Laquered Sheet Metal, Chromium Headlights and Tie-bar, Chromium Cowl Mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings; Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, trunk rack, two tires and tubes, Chromium Tire Covers, Tire Lock. Stylish landeau irons, tailored door pocket. Driver’s seat is adjustable.

Note 9: Wheels: Six Wire. Upholstery: Mohair – with Arm Rests; Finish: One or two tone lacquer – Laquered Sheet Metal, Chromium Headlights and Tie-bar, Chromium Cowl Mouldings, Chromium running board mouldings, Walnut interior trim, Assist Coards, Silk Curatins at Quarter Windows and rear, Arm rests, Satin-finished metal Robe Rail, Upholstered Foot Rest, dome light, two smoking trays. Extra Equipment: Bumpers, front and rear, trunk rack, two tires and tubes, Chromium Tire Covers, Tire Lock. front seat is adjustable. Rear quarter windows are adjustable.

Serial number range

1001 to 5609

Full specifications, 1931 De Vaux 6-75
ItemSpecification
Engine6-cylinder “L”head unit power plant designed by Col. Elbert J. Hall, rubber mounted at three points, 4-point suspension, four bearing crankshaft, six port intake and exhaust manifold. Bore 3-3/8″, stroke 4”, 27.34 horesepower S.A.E rating, actual 70 brake horsepower. Interchangeable bronze-backed babbit-lines main bearings; camshaft bearings steel shell babbit-lines. Aluminum-alloy pistons, force-feed lubrication, non-detonating cylinder head, torsional dampener. Camshaft driven by silent chain. Equipped with oil filter.
Cooling SystemCellular radiator, capacity 3-3/4 gallonss. Large centrifugal water pump. Thermostatic water-temerature control. Temperature indicator on dash. Filler cap under hood.
Fuel SystemLarge gasoline tank, capacity 15 gallons, mounted at rear of chassis. Electric gasoline gauge on dash. Automatic fuel pump in connection with fuel filter and double Venturi high-power carburetor having metered accelerating pump. Hot-spot with manual adjusted heat regulator for varying climate conditions.
Electric SystemTwo unit, 6-volt Auto-Lite interconnection with 15-plate, 119 ampere-hour battery. Distributed mounted above engine. Automatic spark advance in connection with manual spark sontrol mounted on dash. Starting switch, floor type. Coincidental ignition lock.
Exhaust SystemBurgess muffler, with scientifically proportioned pipe.
ClutchSingle plate, dry type, multiple spring. Fitted with dampener.
TransmissionSelective. Three speeds forward, one reverse. Countershaft drive and second speed constant mesh quiet helical gears. Helical gear thrust taken by deep-groove ball bearings. High and second speed shift, positive clutch. First speed and reverse, sliding gears. Roller-type Free Wheeling on all forward speeds, with hand control on instrument board.
Front AxleReverse Elliott type, drop forged, heat treated I-beam. Tapered roller wheel bearings. Steering knuckles fitted with ball thrust bearings. Bronze bushings.
Rear AxleSemi-floating type. Tapered roller bearings on axle shafts and differential housing. Drop forged ends, electric welded to steel tubes, malleable center, uninterrupted lubrication flow. Differential carrier adjustable without dismantling or removing lubricant. Drive pinion supported on deep-groove ball bearings. Hotchkiss type drive in connection with two all-metal, oil-tight dust-proff, Universal joints.
Steering GearWorm and sector type with roller bearing thrusts on worm. Hand wheel adjustable for driving poisitions.
BrakesFour-wheel internal expanding, steeldraulic, fully enclosed. Protected by grease deflectors. Full mechanical linkage.
FrameSide members 6″ deep with 2-1/4″ flange. Five cross members. Tubular cross member at front and wide plate cross member at rear.
SpringsFront spring, 36″ long, shackled at front end. Rear spring, 54-1/4″ long, underslung at rear axle tube. Front and rear springs, controlled by double-acting Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers. Self-adjusting shackles front and rear.
WheelsWire, full drop-center, demountable at hub, Wood with demountable semi-drop center rim. Tire size, 19×5.00 all-weather tread.
Body MetalFront fenders, one-piece stampings, heavy gauge. Rear fenders, heavy gauge, deep crown. Running boards, steel, reinforced. Vulcanized rubber-covering. Chromium moulding on edges. Headlight tie-bar attached through fenders to “U” shaped flanged fender supports for rigidity. Fully shielded with radiator apron, side shields and rear frame shield.
Wheelbase113 inches.
Standard EquipmentInstrument panel includes oil pressure gauge, temperature indicator, 90 m.p.h. speedometer, gasoline gauge and ammeter. Indirect lighting. Pull-knob for spark, throttle and choke control.
BodyCombination heavy gauge reinforced steel and wood construction. Front seat adjustable.

References: Durant Family Registry, Durant’s Standard, vol. 6 no. 3, vol. 7 no. 1, vol. 7 no. 3, vol. 9 no. 2, vol. 9 no. 4.

1932 De Vaux 6-80

Special features

  • “Red Seal” Continental Motor, 80 horsepower.
  • “Aero-Line” body with V radiator and complete streamlining.
  • Engine cushioned in live rubber.
  • Sturdy frame with six rigid crossmembers.
  • 114-inch wheelbase.
  • Silent-mesh, Quiet Second Transmlssion with helical gears.
  • Selective Free-Wheeling in all forward speeds.
  • Deep, form-fitting seat cushions.
  • Startix (at slight extra cost).
  • Automatic ride regulator (slight extra cost.)
  • Watch-Dial Instrument Panel.
  • Long chassis springs, front and rear; great riding comfort.
  • Anti-Knock Combustion Chambers.
  • Fully-enclosed, internal-expanding, Steeldraulic brakes.
  • Manifold Heat Regulator; assures easy starting at below-zero temperatures.
  • Lower overall body heights with ample head-room and road clearance.
  • Manual adjustment for driving seat.
  • Sweeping fenders.
  • Non – Rumble, straight through muffler.
  • Adjustable Tri-Spoke steering wheel.
  • Crankcase Ventilator.
  • Slanting Non-Glare windshields.
  • Flame arrester on carburetor.
  • Inside locks on all doors.
  • Body joints treated with anti-squeak material; silent riding a reality.
  • Double-acting, two-way shock absorbers.
  • Concealed Hood Fasteners.
  • Extra-wide bodies equipped with deep arm rests.
  • Small wheels and large tires for greater riding comfort.
  • Aluminum Alloy Pistons with Invar Strut . . . more brilliant engine and car performance.
  • Extra-wide doors.
  • Inside Sun Visors.
  • Sparkling acceleration.
  • Owner’s Service Policy.

Body styles and prices

Body stylePrice
Custom Sedan (see note 2)$895.00
Custom Coupe (see note 2)$895.00
Custom Convertible Coupe (see note 2)$945.00
Standard Sedan (see note 3)$845.00
1932 prices, US dollars, f.o.b. factory

Note 2: Special equipment (available at extra cost) – bumpers, front and rear; two tires and tubes; two tire locks.

Note 3: Special equipment (available at extra cost) – bumpers, front and rear; tire and tube; tire lock.

Serial number range

5610 to 7038

Full specifications, 1932 De Vaux 6-80
ItemSpecification
EngineBore 3-3/8″, stroke 4″, displacement 214.7 cubic inches, N.A.C.C. rating 27.34 H.P., Dynamometer test 80 H.P. at 3600 R.P.M. Engine cushioned on rubber.
CylindersL-head type with crank case cast en bloc of special nickel alloy cast iron. Large water jacketing between cylinders.
Main BearingsFour special-analysis bronze-backed, babbitt-lined bearings. Front – 2-3/8″ x 1-17/32″, 2nd – 2-3/8″ x 1-17/32″, 3rd – 2-3/8″ x 1-17/32″, 4th – 2-3/8″ x 1-7/8″. Clearance .0015″.
Crank ShaftSpecially designed and fitted with torsional vibration dampener. Drop forged of heat-treated high-carbon steel. Statically and dynamically balanced (both at rest and in motion). Drilled passages provide oil distribution to connecting rod bearings and main bearings. Crankshaft 31-19/32″ long.
Connecting RodsDrop forged of special steel I-beam tyne, 8-3/8″ long. Lower Bearing 2″ in diameter, 1-3/8″ long. Lower end of rod drilled on top side, oil sprayed to piston pin. Upper end of connecting rod fitted with bronze binding 1-1/4″ long in which piston pin takes its bearing.
PistonsSpecially designed aluminum alloy permitting a close fit and reducing the breaking-in period. Fitted with two compression rings. one oil compression wiper ring, one oil seal ring. Four in all located above piston pin. Piston pin 7/8″ in diameter, 2-7/8″ long, floating in piston and upper end of rod retained by locking rings.
ValvesIntake S.A.E. No.3140 steel 1- 1-11/16″ in diameter. Exhaust – chrome silicon steel 1-7/16″ in diameter Removable guides. Valve lifters of mushroom type, oscillate in removable brackets. Arranged in groups of four and are completely enclosed.
CamshaftDrop forged from heat-treated special steel. mounted in four pressure oiled bearings Front Bearings — 2-1/16″ x 1-11/32″; 2nd – 2″ x 3/4″; 3rd – 1-15/16″ x 3/4″; 4th – 1-7/8′ x 1″ long. Bearings babbitt-lined in thin steel shells to carry off heat.
Timing ChainSilent chain, 23″ long, drives the camshaft and operates in a bath of oil, using two sprockets 1-1/4″ wide.
Lubricating SystemFull pressure feed to all main connecting rod and camshaft bearings and sprayed to piston pins with spray to other parts. Gear type oil pump submerged in oil pan, driven by vertical shaft from camshaft, equipped with effective oil filter. Pressure gauge on instrument panel and quality gauge on crankcase. Oil capacity, six quarts.
Fuel SystemFifteen gallon tank mounted at rear of frame protected by special steel cross member. Electric gauge on instrument panel. Fuel pump feed to carburetor.
Cooling SystemCellular type radiator. Shell has chromium plated mouldings, lacquer finished grill. Capacity, fifteen quarts. Forced circulation by centrifugal pump located on side of crankcase. Four staggered-blade fan, driven by V-type belt.
CarburetionHigh-power double venturl carburetor with metered accelerating pump in connection with automatic fuel pump and fuel filter; hot-spot with manual-adjusted heat regulator for varying climatic conditions.
IgnitionDistributor mounted in accessible position on top of cylinder head, free from water and dirt.
GeneratorMounted at left front side of engine; furnished wiith cut-out relay. Entirely automatic in operation and driven by V-belt.
Starting MotorWith specially designed gears hardened to insure smooth engagement at all times and freedom from breaking and sticking.
ClutchSingle dry disk, 8-7/8″ in diameter, noiseless, flexible. It requires no lubrication or adjustment; clutch release bearing steel ball thrust, convenientiy lubricated through hole in toe beard.
TransmissionSelective with three speeds forward and reverse. Countershaft drive and second speed with constant-mesh quiet helical gears. Helical gear thrust taken by deep-groove ball bearings. High and second speed shift, positive clutch. First speed and reverse, sliding gears.
Free WheelingImproved Free Wheeling – unit-roller type – mounted on rear of transmission; control on dash. When free-wheeling, gears can be shifted in all forward speeds without depressing clutch.
Transmission Gear Ratio1st speed, 3.32 to 1 — 2nd speed, 1.67 to 1 — 3rd speed direct; reverse 4.1 to 1.
Wheelbase114″; turning circle 39 feet. Road clearance 7-9/16″.
Battery6 volt, storage battery; 119 ampere hour capacity.
LightingHeadlights: one bulb, double filament, with foot dimmer switch control. One parking bulb. Lighting switch mounted on instrument panel. Single bulb, double filament, tail and stop light. Indirect lighting on instrument panel.
HornLarge vibrator type synchronized for tone.
Propeller ShaftTubular, 2″ in diameter; balanced. All metallic universal joints at both front and rear with special oil retaining ring.
Rear AxleSemi-floating. Timken taper roller bearings throughout. Improved spiral bevel ring gear. Two large Timken taper roller bearings in front of pinion. Positive lubrication to differential and pinion shaft bearings. Gear ratio 4.45 standard.
BrakesFully encIosed internal expanding , self-energizing steeldraulic brakes, 50% of its operating force from the rotating drum, front and rear. Parking or hand brake operates on both front and rear wheels.
Front AxleDrop forged, heat treated I-beam between spring seats. Reverse Elliott type. Self-adjusting ends on tie-rod and drag link. Front wheel bearings, Timken taper roller.
SpringsSemi-Elliptic, front 35 inches long, rear 53-1/2 inches long. 1-3/4 inches wide. Fitted with self-adjusting shackles.
Steering GearIrreversible type roller bearing thust upon worm shaft. 17″ hand wheel, adjustable for driving position.
FrameChannel section pressed steel, six inches deep. Width of frame, 2-1/4 inches. Number of cross members, six rigidly gusseted to frame.
Tires17 x 5.50 Custom Model — 19 x 5.25 Standard Model; Non Skid Balloon cords.
WheelsFive wire wheels on all models. Custom models six wire wheels.
Shock AbsorbersFour double action Hydraulic Shock Absorbers combined with rubber cushioned socket – standard equipment.
Chassis LubricationHigh pressure system.
Running BoardsSteel. rubber ribbed with chrome plated moulding and integral with dust shields.
FendersOne piece, seamless, full crown type.
Body TypesStandard Four-Door Sedan, Standard Coupe-Baggage, Standard Coupe-Rumble, Custom Four-Door Sedan, Custom Coupe-Rumble, and Custom Convertible Coupe-Rumble.

References: Durant Family Registry, Durant’s Standard, vol. 12 no. 2.

Sales literature

Literature known to the club. Click a picture to enlarge it.

Sales brochures and folders

1931

  • A-31-301-8: Model: 6-75; date: 4-10-31 (1931); dimensions: 10-1/8″ x 8¼”, opens to 20¾” x 13¾”.
  • A-31-302-5A: Model: 6-75; date: 8-13-31 (1931); dimensions: 4″ x 5¾”.
  • A-31-303-4: Model: 6-75; date: 1931; dimensions: 8½;” x 6½”, opens to 17″ x 6½”.
  • A-31-305-4: Model: 6-75; date: 9-30-31 (1931); dimensions: 9″ x 6″, opens to 18″ x 12″
  • A-31-307-4: Model: 6-75; date: 6-2-31 (1931); dimensions: 8¾” x 3-3/8″, opens to 24¼” x 8¾”
  • AU-31-398: Model: 6-75; date: 1931.
  • AU-31-399: Model: 6-75; date: 1931.

1932

  • A-32-301-6: Model: 6-80; date: 12-31-31 (1931); dimensions: 9¾” x 6½” opens to 29¾” x 8¾”.
  • A-32-302-4: Model: 6-80; date: 1932; dimensions: 3¾” x 7¾”, opens to 15½” x 11″.
  • A-32-305-17: Model: 6-80; date: 1932; dimensions: 10¾” x 7″.
  • A-32-306-4: Model: 6-80; date: 3-31-32 (1932); dimensions: 8¾” x 6¾”, opens to 20″ x 13½”.

Known surviving cars

Oakland, California

YearModelBody styleCar numberEngine number
19316-75Custom SedanC-1056
19316-75SedanC-113840A-6707
19316-75CoupeC-1286
19316-75Custom SedanC-1435
19316-75Custom CoupeC-153540A-1-357
19316-75Sport SedanC-1583
19316-75Sport SedanC-1691
19316-75Custom CoupeC-1770
19316-75Sport CoupeC-1951
19316-75Sport SedanC-2009
19316-75SedanC-2018
19316-75Sport CoupeC-2039
19316-75Custom SedanC-2069
19316-75Sport SedanC-2443426465
19316-75Sport CoupeC-2473
19316-75Sport SedanC-254340A-1-3460
19316-75Sport CoupeC-2631
19316-75Custom SedanC-2734
19316-75CoupeC-315140A-1-3151
19316-75SedanC-349140A-1-3491
19316-75CoupeC-4194
19316-75CoupeC-4473
19316-75SedanC-5548

Grand Rapids, Michigan

YearModelBody styleCar numberEngine number
19316-75Custom SedanM-1134
19316-75Custom SedanM-131540A-1672
19316-75Sport SedanM-1340
19316-75Custom CoupeM-1350
19316-75Sport SedanM-1918
19316-75SedanM-2034
19316-75Sport SedanM-2042
19316-75Sport SedanM-2064
19316-75Custom SedanM-213640A-2152
19316-75Sport SedanM-231740A-1-2384
19316-75Sport SedanM-2459
19316-75SedanM-2478
19316-75Sport Sedan (Sport Coupe?)M-29354584
19316-75Sport SedanM-3002
19316-75Custom CoupeM-3119
19316-75Standard CoupeM-3245
19316-75Custom CoupeM-3386
19316-75CoupeM-3647
19316-75Custom SedanM-3872
19316-75Sport SedanM-387940A-1-4584
19316-75Sport CoupeM-3930
19316-75Sport SedanM-3939
19316-75Sport SedanM-410640A-5491
19316-75Sport CoupeM-4165
19316-75Custom SedanM-458240A-5870
19316-75Sport CoupeM-461940A-6180
19316-75Custom SedanM-5443
19316-75Sport CoupeM-5511
19316-75Sport SedanM-553040A-7013
19326-80Custom Convertible CoupeM-6739
19326-80Sport CoupeM-678740A-7517
19326-80Custom Convertible CoupeM-693540A-7707

Registry cars in detail

1931 DeVaux 6-75 Custom Sedan C-2734

Upper Body Color: red; Lower Body Color: red; Fender Color: black; Wheel Color: black; Wheel Type: wire; Original Colors?: unknown.

Do you own a De Vaux, or know of one? Please contact one of our technical advisors so it can be added to the registry. Owners’ names are not published.

Related pages

Sources: Club registry records; De Vaux sales literature; Durant Family Registry, Durant’s Standard.