1937 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe

The LaSalle Company was positioned to fill in a price gap within the General Motors hierarchy, more specifically between Buick and Cadillac. It was more than that; it was a new brand with a sporty, stylish character. The cars wore a design by Harley Earl, a young designer who ended up working for GM for 32 years.

The 1937 LaSalle models were similar to the 1936 entry-level Cadillac Series 60, and both shared a 124-inch wheelbase. The LaSalle shed 1934-36's L-head straight-eight in exchange for the V-8 from the previous year's Cadillac Series 60. The engine displaced 322 cubic inches and offered 125 horsepower, an improvement of 20 from the year before. The 1937 LaSalle's also featured a new hypoid axle which allowed a lower drive-shaft and floor for two inches of added headroom.
For 1937, sales were strong - an all-time high in fact, with 32,000 units sold. Sales more than doubled over the prior year. Another accomplishment for this year was being chosen to be the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.

This 1937 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe wears an older restoration. The car features a rumble seat and side mounts.

In 2012 the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA, presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $43,700, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012