This 1940 LaSalle Model 5029 is a four-door convertible featuring a factory 322ci Cadillac flathead V8 mated to a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. It is believed to have been refurbished in the 1960s by a collector in North Carolina. This example is #125 of 125 sedan convertibles made for 1940, which was the final year for the model 5029. It is finished in taupe over red leather with a tan convertible top. A larger radiator was installed by the previous owner, who also performed a tune-up, changed the fluids, and more. Acquired by the seller on BaT in October 2018, this LaSalle is now offered with recent service records and a clean South Carolina title in the seller’s name.
The Fisher-built body was originally painted Knickerbocker Gray (4) and was refinished in single-stage taupe by a previous owner. A painted red band stretches across the upper portions of each door and around the back of the car. The tan soft top can be seen lowered in gallery images below from 2018. A matching boot and tonneau covers are included in the sale along with two chrome supports for the convertible top. Features include a driver-side spotlight and fog lamps, both of which are said to need new switches.
Factory wheels are finished red, dressed with chrome LaSalle covers, and mounted with BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires. Four-wheel drum brakes are operated hydraulically, and an independent “Knee-Action” front suspension is paired with a live rear axle out back. A video featuring the exterior can be viewed above.
The Fleetwood-finished interior is upholstered in red leather (28) on the bench seats and door panels. Amenities include a heater/defroster, red floor mats, and rear armrests. Photos in the gallery detail the condition of the Bakelite knobs and polished switches. A video tour of the interior is provided above.
The three-spoke banjo-style steering wheel fronts a horizontal-sweep speedometer and auxiliary gauges. A coolant-temperature gauge is mounted beneath the dashboard. Approximately 9k miles are shown on the five-digit odometer, nearly 300 of which have been added under current ownership; true mileage is unknown. The dashboard features a push-button AM radio, a chrome waterfall speaker, and a locking glovebox.
The 322ci flathead V8 was rated by the factory for 130 horsepower at 3,400 rpm when new. The electrical system has been converted to operate on eight volts. Additional modifications include an electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump, and connectors for a battery maintainer, which is included. The previous owner changed the spark plugs and wires. A larger radiator is fitted and plumbed with hoses replaced by the previous owner.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. Additional underside photos are presented in the gallery below.
The trim tag decodes as follows:
- Style 40-5029 – 1940 model year Series 50 four-door Convertible Sedan
- Body No. 125 – 125th Convertible Sedan produced
- Trim No. 28 – Red leather upholstery
- Paint No. 4 – Knickerbocker Gray paint
An in-car driving video is provided below.
Photo Gallery
