1928 LaSalle Series 303 Sport Phaeton

1928 LaSalle Series 303 Sport Phaeton 

Many folks are not familiar with the LaSalle automobile other than possibly from the introduction to the classic TV show, “All in the Family”, where Archie and Edith sing, “Gee our old LaSalle ran great. Those were the days.”.  Since Cadillac had been named for the famed French explorer, what could be more logical than to honor another French explorer with the new car, and so the LaSalle was born, from the early penning of designer Harley Earl.

For consignment a “Junior Caddy” in the form of a 1928 LaSalle Series 303 Phaeton.  This consignment is a designated CCCA full classic, is a highly desirable Phaeton dual windscreen car finished in two tone dark and light blue bodied with black curvaceous fenders and running boards.  Lest we forget the full wire spoked wheels including dual side mounted spares which was a $250.00 option in 1928!  Leather upholstery, and a long perfectly preserved canvas convertible top.  On the back, a folding trunk rack with a trunk.  Phone up the chauffeur we are going for a Sunday drive in full on style.

Exterior
With its beautifully curving front fenders which gently dance down to the running boards that attach to the nearly inset rear curving fenders, we have a great trailblazing design. These are bathed in black nearly perfectly applied paint, and do a great job of framing the yellow painted 20-inch wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires.  There are 6 of these as on each side, tucked within the front fenders, is a spare complete with wheels and tires.  At the belt line, skating the top edge of the doors and extending through the front cowled hood is a dark blue painted livery surface.  The doors and rear tub have been painted a slightly lighter blue, and it is mint as to condition and application.  An all nickel plated radiator surround is very highly polished and nicely preserved.  On top is a statue in chrome of the French explorer of the car's namesake.  Flanked by the front fenders is a large blue painted large radiator grille complete with LaSalle script badging and has 2 big headlights on either side.  Rear view mirrors are attached to the spares on the fenders, and in the passenger's side is a massive searchlight.  Turn signals sit proudly on the back of the hood cowl and the front windscreen can be folded down if need be.  A contrasting nearly perfect condition cream colored convertible top functions properly and is in good condition, sporting a solid oak wood frame.  Bringing up the rear is a perfectly restored black leather covered trunk with plenty of chrome trim, hinges and latches in it.

Interior
Offering up two rows of overstuffed supple blue leather benches, all passengers will ride in comfort and have ample room.  These seats are in excellent condition.  For 2 extra passengers, the back panel of the front seat hinges upward and reveals a central window and jump seats magically appear unfolded from the floor creating a third row.  These are covered in the blue leather and are comfortable as well.  When folded they reveal beautiful wool carpet in just a darker shade than the canvas top, and in pristine condition.  The door panels are also covered in the blue leather and are excellently preserved.  Upfront, a dark blue sprayed dash has central punched chromed screen panel for the instrumentation and is fronted by a fairly large bakelite black pedestrian steering wheel, no glitz or glamour here!  Instruments are black faced with fine markings in white and classic pointers.  The interior is in excellent condition. Providing comfortable seating for 7 if needed.

Drivetrain
Upon opening the cowls we reveal a masterpiece of late 1920's engineering with the heavy 303ci L-head V8 engine.  This is beautifully covered in paint and polished parts and is topped by a 2-barrel Cadillac Johnson carburetor.  A 3-speed selective sliding gear manual transmission original to the car, just like the engine, is attached to the rear of the engine.  A 4.54 ratio rear axle works to propel the car. 

Undercarriage
Save for a few water spots and some light surface rust on the leaf springs, all is well cared for underneath and structurally sound.  The Fisher Chassis is holding up well, and it is supporting the Fleetwood Body with leaf springs suspension and mechanical drum braking all fully restored.

Drive-Ability
With a slight cranking this L head came to life.  It idled smoothly and going up through the gears one can hear the sweet sound of an old transmission that whirrs.  The car functions perfectly and is an easy driver with a very cushy dual cowl ride.

With early consultation with designer Harley Earl, Lawrence P. Fisher, (of Fisher body fame), now GM President, made a decision to have a fresh design that changed the course of an entire industry with regard to styling and marketing.  The result is this rare survivor, an overall very fine CCCA Full Classic, a fine running automobile with a very comfortable leather interior.  Great color combination, (using the two tones adds more class according to Earl), and blue leather interior that is well appointed in the open air environment.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.  This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

PHOTO GALLERY