1939 LaSalle Series 39-50 Convertible Coupe

322ci L-Head V-8 Engine
Single Carter Carburetor
125bhp at 3,400rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Bendix Hydraulic Drum Brakes

* Offered from the Estate of Private Collector
* Long term private ownership
* Older restoration, with careful maintenance
* Usable touring pre-war Classic

LASALLE

General Motors introduced the LaSalle in 1927 as a lower-priced and sportier companion car to Cadillac. Harley Earl had designed the first LaSalle under contract to Cadillac chief Lawrence Fisher. The new car's widely acclaimed styling lead then GM president Alfred P. Sloan to appoint Earl head of the corporations new Art & Colour styling section in 1928.An all-new LaSalle for 1934 introduced the tall, narrow grille that would be a hallmark of LaSalle cars for the rest of their production. The final model year for LaSalle came in 1940, as Cadillac had decided to market a similarly priced model line bearing the Cadillac nameplate for 1941.

After several years in the mid-30's with Oldsmobile-sourced straight eights LaSalle returned to its roots in 1937 with Cadillac's V-8 and continued until 1940, the last year of LaSalle production. The 1939 LaSalles were built on a 120" wheelbase and were distinctive for their famous narrow vertical grille which flanked by headlights fixed to the side of the radiator shell. Its 322 cubic inch V-8 was rated 125 brake horsepower, countered with hydraulic brakes all around.

Despite production of over 24,000 LaSalles in 1939 and 1940, that was to be the marque's last year.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Rarely offered for sale, this 1939 LaSalle comes to market from the long term ownership of Long Island collector enthusiast Doug McCormick. The story goes that Mr. McCormick had happened upon the car almost by chance, when playing cards with a group on the south shore of the Island. One of his comrades was a supplier of cars to the movie studios, and when the stakes hotted up the LaSalle was thrown into the mix, leading it to become his! According to its former owner it had been own of the many cars used for background 'color' in the movie the Godfather, although this was something that McCormick was not able to prove conclusively. Regardless, albeit a win, the LaSalle was in need of some attention when it changed hands and that lead to considerable restoration work being carried out in his ownership, first in 1982 and again in 1997.

When refurbished the LaSalle was repainted in its period correct paint code 52 Antoinette Blue and contrasted with a tan top, while the interior was redone in light blue leather seats and beige carpets. When finished on occasions the car would be shown close to his home in the Hamptons in 1997 and 1998 and a variety of Long Island Car Shows among others. Throughout, it has been diligently maintained by noted Southampton car restorers Northumberland Engineering.

On file are an original owner's manual, Ditzler color swatch set for the 1939 Cadillac and LaSalle models, a shop manual as well as other reference material on the marque. A usable and elegant pre-war touring car for all weathers.