1929 LaSalle Series 328 Convertible Coupe

The LaSalle was introduced in 1927 and was intended to fill a perceived gap in the model range between Buick and Cadillac. Styling was performed by Harley Earl and would inspire General Motors to establish a separate division known as 'Art and Color' responsible for automotive styling, with Earl at the helm. The LaSalle's were built by Cadillac to the same high-quality standards and fitted with many luxury amenities. They introduced synchromesh on second and top gears along with safety glass. Mechanical changes included Duplex mechanical brakes, pressure lubrication on the piston pins and mid-year metric spark plugs. The LaSalle came with two wheelbase lengths, a 125- and 134-inch platform. They were available with a wide variety of bodywork, chiefly from Fisher although Fleetwood did produce some higher-priced versions. On 1929 cars, all bright work was chrome plated, and the parking lights were moved to the fenders.

Body style number 8580 was a Fisher-bodied 2/4 passenger Convertible Coupe with rumble seat. It rested on a 134-inch wheelbase.

This example was originally purchased by Percy Cowan who lived in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada and sold for $2,595. Percy purchased the car because it was faster than local law enforcement vehicles. He was a rum runner who supplied parts of northern New York state and beyond with Canadian booze during the heights of prohibition.

In 1937, it was sold to Mr. Fielka of Ritson Road in Oshawa, Ontario. Fielka was another bootlegger, though the car was probably not used for that purpose, as New York repealed prohibition in 1933. Fielka retained the car until 1969, when it passed to Jim Statham, also of Oshawa, Ontario. The car was owned until 1977, when Al Roeder of Newmarket, Ontario, purchased it.

In the early 1990s, a restoration began. In 1995, it was sold to William Allan Manford. In 1999 it was sold to the present owner.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $75,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011