Unlike Ford, which made the Model T – and only the Model T – in the same mechanical configuration for almost two decades, GM pursued a different strategy: it cultivated a product ladder. By introducing companion makes at lower price levels for each of its divisions, GM blanketed the market with options for buyers. The LaSalle was the second such car, introduced as a junior to the Cadillac in 1927. Of course, Harley Earl, its designer, strove to differentiate the LaSalle from its more expensive sibling, giving it a lithe, agile look. The car could be optioned on a 125″ wheelbase, shorter than anything Cadillac offered, yet power was supplied by Cadillac’s “Ninety-Degree V8”. It sold well, eventually eclipsing Cadillac sales by 2X. Here on eBay is a 1935 LaSalle Series 50 three-window coupe – one of the rarer body styles – bid to $60,000 with reserve not met. This car was originally sold in California, exported to Japan in 2012, then imported back to Lodi. The seller indicates he hasn’t had time to enjoy the car, so it needs to move along to a new owner.
Cadillac’s strategy worked almost too well. The notion of a less expensive offering at Buick, Oakland, Cadillac and Oldsmobile began to crowd out primary marques here and there. Pontiac, in fact, was the death knell for Oakland. Over at Packard, some say the move down-market with the 120 harmed the marque irretrievably. Likely sensing that differentiation from Cadillac was desirable, the LaSalle was situated on the Oldsmobile B-platform starting in 1934. It still shared styling cues with Cadillac, but in common with other cars in GM’s line-up, it no longer harbored a V8 in the engine bay. Instead, Oldsmobile’s straight-eight was utilized, though it was assembled at the LaSalle factory. This seller didn’t supply an engine bay photo (we asked), but it will be a 248 cu. in. L-head straight-eight making about 105 bhp and backed by a three-speed manual. The car runs but requires a tune-up.
A hallmark of the LaSalle/Cadillac connection was luxury, and it shows – the upholstery is mohair and that instrument panel is a cut above the average Chevrolet. This interior is in outstanding condition, showing little wear. The headliner is near perfect. While the engine bay photo is missing, we were pleased to see this view of the jump seat in the rear, folded up against the rear panel.
Harley Earl redesigned the LaSalle in 1934, narrowing the grille, rounding the nose, and highlighting the hood line with shrouded portholes. The overall condition of this example is high-driver quality, judging from the photos. While this body style is rare, the current bid seems generous to me; if I were the seller, I’d take that bid. What do you think?
Harley Earle was behind some beautiful designs. And the LaSalle was certainly one of them. Beautiful lines, the dual sidemounts with the fender skirts definitely have a Cadillac class to it. This is a beautiful on this car too. I once again learned something new from the hard work and research from the Barnfinds staff, today its Michelle!!! I did not know that they used an Oldsmobile sourced straight 8 ( but built at their facility). I always thought they were Cadillac V8s.
This is just a beautiful Lasalle, great write up Michelle.
Now..Why on earth do I have the theme song from All in the Family running through my head??? Gee our old Lasalle ran great….
since this one looks so good including the interior there has to have been a restoration. Can this be confirmed?
My father restored this LaSalle. He owned it for many years. As I recall he sold it to a museum in San Diego, who then sold it to a buyer in Japan.
I was the buyer who imported this car into Japan in 2012 then did some addional mechanical work to restore/fix a few things.. the car ran great for the 12 years that I owned it.
“Awchie! Theres our old LaSalle!”
“Stifle it, Edith! But, that car did run great!”
Gee it ran great!
Also listed on HAMB where they want $85k or will also take $70k. Ad there says it was lowered front and rear, has original engine (no pics). Take the $60k and run!
A pristine 35 LaSalle convertible sold at Sotheby’s Auction this year for $46K. The seller needs to grab that $60K ASAP.
Ya want $80k and you can’t arrange a tuneup? Really? I don’t have this kind of money to toss at a collector car but if I did I’d expect it to be in proper running order. I’m not sure I care for the lowered stance but I think the “suicide doors” are terrific. Harley Earl truly had a fine eye for flowing style. I wonder what he thought of Bill Mitchell’s designs?
Exactly the same thing that I was thinking!!
@Carbob
I can tell you this, he was not happy with the 1959 designs Mitchell’s designers came up with, but by the time Earl saw them it was too late to change them. Everyone thinks that 1959 was Earl’s swan song but in reality they were Mitchell’s debut.
A little message to the seller: Have a little respect for the other classic luxury car owners and don’t let this gem go for any less than close to $100K, It is beautiful and worth every penny. The time spent in restoration alone is more than the asking price. I know because I am a restorer and personally a Cadillac collector.
Nonsense.
These roundy round cars are getting less desirable as time goes by.
The fellers that like them are getting older. Younger kids just don’t find them irresistible like we do.
Now if it were to have an LS swap, OD tranny, nice interior, cool mags, and lose them skirts, it might be worth more.
Sister tried to learn to drive in one of these. Took me for a ride, missed a shift, hit brakes, and pitched me into dash. She stopped car, I jumped out, and ran home!
For a vehicle commanding this kind of money, why in the world would you not perform the tune up before selling this beautiful automobile?
A tune up? Would you put this car on the market with a flat tire? Why not tune it up, especially when it would only consist of just $20.. for points and plugs? I suspect some other issue. I am not usually into these pre-war land yachts but this gem is hard for me to delete. If it does not sell I’d appreciate a reply from the seller.
Probably told its just not a case of a tune up w/ new plugs, but more involved. Acquiring the parts for the fix etc., so just says runs great IF had a tune up. Yeah, do it. One less negative line in the add & will sell much quicker for the asking.
Why not a million dollars worth of respect!? It will bring what the current market determines the value to be, downward for many cars of this era no matter condition, or history. Time marches on, we can’t change that.
This car is gorgeous except for that nose high rake.
Why?????
It absolutely ruins the profile of an otherwise beautiful car.
OH Hre I am having to sell my 1954 Buick. which O love. and still drooling over some more of delightdul STUFF OI see hrer every day.
I would guess that due to the difficulty factor, the valve lash has not been set hot for many a year maybe causing running stutter that imitates an ignition problem. The transmission in these was considered “gold” by certain racers from the late 1950’s. It is beautiful, but unless the lowering is easily reversible, I would pass for that reason alone. I would guess that originality goes a long way to convince deep pockets buyers to pull the trigger. I must qualify my comments by saying I couldn’t afford it now at any price.
@Carbob
I can tell you this, he was not happy with the 1959 designs Mitchell’s designers came up with, but by the time Earl saw them it was too late to change them. Everyone thinks that 1959 was Earl’s swan song but in reality they were Mitchell’s debut.
Auction closed on 12/23/2024 with a high bid of $63,390, did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Needs to be $85k plus IMHO
Very unusual to see one this nice.