 1927 Model 303 | 1929 Series 328  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
1928 LaSalle Model 303 news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher Chassis Num: 303220895 |
| Sold for $66,000 at 2006 RM Auctions. | |||
This 1928 LaSalle Model 303 Convertible Coupe is powered by a 303 cubic-inch Cadillac V8 engine. It has a three-speed selective sliding gear manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
At the 2006 RM Auctions in Meadow Brook it was estimated to fetch between $60,000 - $80,000. The lot was sold at a price of $66,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2008
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher |
This particular car was rescued from a California salvage yard in the mid-60s and was given an amateur restoration in the early '70s.
Award: AACA Junior 2004
Award: AACA Senior 2004
Award: AACA National Cadillac LaSalle Award 2005
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher |
The original 1927 LaSalle was styled by a young California custom car builder named Harley Earl, who developed the car under contract to then Cadillac head Lawrence P. Fisher. Earl drew inspiration from Europe's rakish Hispano-Suiza for his design, creating a sporty yet elegant counterpoint to the larger Cadillacs. The LaSalle was offered in bright two-tone combinations that made it a stand-out among the typically drab-colored cars of the mid-1920s.
Built by Cadillac to Cadillac standards, the original LaSalle was a trend-setting vehicle and it was continued in 1928 with only minor changes. Alfred Sloan had by that time hired Harley Earl to implement his vision of a central design section within GM - Earl would go on to establish GM as the American style leader and would become the auto industry's first design vice-president.
This 1928 LaSalle is one of four Series 303 Convertible Coupes known. It has been well cared for since new and remains factory-original in many details.
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Fisher |
 |  |  | Cabriolet Sedan Coachwork: Fisher Chassis Num: 226213 |
| High bid of $52,500 at 2010 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The LaSalle was introduced in march of 1927 and would be Cadillac's new companion marque. It had Cadillac prestige but at a lower price point. The designs were by Harley Earl, who was newly recruited by GM. This was Earl's first job for a major manufacturer - the LaSalle - and it would be a stylistic tour de force with design inspiration coming from the legendary Hispano-Suiza.
The LaSalle was similar to Cadillac, having a similar chassis and a scaled-down L-head V8 engine. There were eleven standard body styles, all built by Fisher, and available on two wheelbase lengths for 1927. During that year, LaSalle sold 16,850 vehicles, twice the sales rate of the 'senior' Cadillac line. The following year, the LaSalle line continued, with the 17 catalogued body styles from Fisher, plus three by Fleetwood. Sales continued to be strong, with 14,806 units sold that year.
This particular vehicle was owned by a Swedish lady for many years. This car has dual side-mounted spares with engraved mirrors, a correct radiator mascot, an optional suitcase-style truck and excellent brightwork.
In 2010, this Model 303 was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $90,000. Bidding reached $52,500 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010
 |  |  | Sport Phaeton Coachwork: Fisher Chassis Num: 211324 |
The 1928 models were a continuation of the 1927 models, now with 17 catalogued body styles from Fisher plus three by Fleetwood.
This Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton is an AACA and CCCA National First Place winner and features a two-tone deep burgundy exterior with yellow-spoke wheels, a tan convertible top and a tan interior. It has dual side-mounted spare tires and a stanchion-mounted spotlight. It has recently been given a new coat of paint and a new top. This car is one of just two known to exist of only 13 such car originally built.
In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $75,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $110,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
The LaSalle was formally introduced on March 5, 1927 as a four-door sedan and offered for $2685. The 303 cubic-inch was capable of producing 75 horsepower and could carry the LaSalle's at speeds of 70 miles an hour. A few months after the vehicles introduction, GM modified a LaSalle Roadster and removed any non-essential elements. It was then driven by the division's test driver, Bill Rader, who traversed 951.8 miles at an average speed of 95.3 mph. This was an impressive accomplishment of speed and stamina. The cars abilities were matched by their elegant style. The bodies were often finished in two-tone colors. The first series was dubbed the 303, named after its 303 cubic-inch engine. There were five body-types, all sitting atop a 125-inch wheelbase. Later, larger bodystyles were added which rode on an enlarged 134-inch chassis. These were the seven-passenger sedans, Imperial sedan, and five-passenger Imperial. All of the bodies were designed by Harley Earl and created by Fisher, though special semi-custom Fleetwood styles were available through special order.
In total, there were 10,767 examples produced in 1927 of the Model 303. For the 1928 model year, little was changed. The original 12 hood louvers were replaced in favor of 28. Horsepower rose slightly to 80. Production increased to 17,038 units. 1929 was the final year of the 303; horsepower rose to 86 and production was at 22,961 units.
The larger wheelbase vehicles had proven to be wildly popular so for 1929 most LaSalle vehicles now rode on this platform. The roadster and two phaeton models remained on the shorter, 130-inch wheelbase. Sales continued to increase and ventured into Cadillac's territory. The demand for Cadillac vehicles fell by more than half.
Most of the LaSalle 303 bodies received coachwork by Fisher. Fleetwood created a few 'Semi-Custom' bodies, also on a 125-inch wheelbase. In 1927, Fleetwood created 22 examples of the Style 3130, 5-passenger Town Car, which ranged in price from $4500 - $5000. There were 13 examples of the 5-Passenger Sedan, style 3120, constructed in 1927, at a price of $3800. Fleetwood bodied 12 examples of the 2-Passenger Coupe, Style 3110, which carried a price of $4,275. The final Fleetwood bodystyle was the 5-Passenger Town Car which carried Style number 3051 and cost $4700. There were nine-examples built between 1927 and 1928.
Only two Fleetwood Semi-Custom cars were built on a 134-inch wheelbase. These were built in 1928. They were 5-passenger Town Cars, style 3751, and cost $4800.
In total, there were 10,767 examples of the LaSalle 303 built in 1927, and 16,038 created in 1928.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereIn total, there were 10,767 examples produced in 1927 of the Model 303. For the 1928 model year, little was changed. The original 12 hood louvers were replaced in favor of 28. Horsepower rose slightly to 80. Production increased to 17,038 units. 1929 was the final year of the 303; horsepower rose to 86 and production was at 22,961 units.
The larger wheelbase vehicles had proven to be wildly popular so for 1929 most LaSalle vehicles now rode on this platform. The roadster and two phaeton models remained on the shorter, 130-inch wheelbase. Sales continued to increase and ventured into Cadillac's territory. The demand for Cadillac vehicles fell by more than half.
Most of the LaSalle 303 bodies received coachwork by Fisher. Fleetwood created a few 'Semi-Custom' bodies, also on a 125-inch wheelbase. In 1927, Fleetwood created 22 examples of the Style 3130, 5-passenger Town Car, which ranged in price from $4500 - $5000. There were 13 examples of the 5-Passenger Sedan, style 3120, constructed in 1927, at a price of $3800. Fleetwood bodied 12 examples of the 2-Passenger Coupe, Style 3110, which carried a price of $4,275. The final Fleetwood bodystyle was the 5-Passenger Town Car which carried Style number 3051 and cost $4700. There were nine-examples built between 1927 and 1928.
Only two Fleetwood Semi-Custom cars were built on a 134-inch wheelbase. These were built in 1928. They were 5-passenger Town Cars, style 3751, and cost $4800.
In total, there were 10,767 examples of the LaSalle 303 built in 1927, and 16,038 created in 1928.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007
| NIGHT OF THE WHITE GLOVES AT THE BMW MUSEUM. BMW HISTORY – A HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE. | |
 | Touching the exhibits in a museum? Normally that's a big no-no which you ignore at your peril. But as we all know, forbidden fruit is the sweetest – and that's why the BMW Museum is opening its doors on Friday, 23 November for the fifth edition of its 'Night of the White Gloves'. From 7 p.m. onwards, visitors will don a pair of white gloves and be free to stroke the cars they would normally be allowed to caress with their eyes only. 'The 'Night of the White Gloves' is a unique event in the museu...[Read more...] |
| Joe Bortz to Host Historic Dream Car Discussion Panel | |
 | Dream car collector and historian Joe Bortz has prepared a special treat for participants at the 40th Annual Pontiac-Oakland Club International Convention in St. Charles Illinois, this coming July 17-21. In addition to bringing his four historic Pontiac Dream Cars, he has also assembled a panel, conisisting of two noted designers, a retired engineer and two veteran authors to examine the topic of Pontiac's early concept vehicles. The panel discussion will be held on Friday, July 20th at 1...[Read more...] |
| GM Design: 85 Years of Making Art That Moves You | |
 | As GM Design celebrates its 85th birthday this month, the 1,900 men and women in GM's 10 global design centers are focused on the future, united in their vision to entice consumers to fall in love and see vehicles as they do: art that moves you. 'Our global team is united around its passion for designing vehicles that make an emotional connection with customers,' said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. 'What was true 85 years ago is still true today: A designer's role is to create...[Read more...] |
| Automotive Hall of Fame Inductees Named | |
 | Awards to be Presented in Conjunction with the Concours d'Elegance of America The Automotive Hall of Fame will present its annual induction and awards ceremony on Thursday, July 26, 2012 as one of the week-long Concours d'Elegance of America events. It will be held at The Inn at St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan. Both the Concours d'Elegance of America and the Automotive Hall of Fame celebrate the heritage and history of Detroit. The show highlights the evolution of the automobile's...[Read more...] |
| September 15 d'Plaisir Road Rallye will precede | |
 | The September 15 road rally that precedes the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance the following day has been named the d'Plaisir Road Rallye in honor of the 2012 Concours' theme 'French Curves.' It begins with lunch at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, traverses the stunning views and winding roads of the Peninsula and ends at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates with a helicopter golf ball drop and a reception honoring Concours Grand Marshals Peter and Merle Mullin...[Read more...] |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Crosley | DeSoto |
| Edsel | Hudson |
| Imperial | Kaiser |
| Nash | Oakland |
| Tucker | Willys |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1928 |
| Mercedes-Benz 680S |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1928 |
| Chrysler Model 72 ($1,495-$3,595) |
| Lincoln Model L ($4,595-$7,345) |
| Packard 443 Eight ($3,600-$5,300) |
| Studebaker President ($1,800-$2,475) |
| Franklin Airman ($2,490-$4,600) |
Average Auction Sale: $77,800 |
| LaSalle: 1921-1930 |
| Similar Automakers |
| LaSalle History |
| Other models by LaSalle |
| Model 303 Model 340 Series 50 |
| 1927 Model 303 | 1929 Series 328 |
