1939 LaSalle Series 50 Coupe

Black with tan cloth interior

Engine: L-head, eight-cylinder, 322ci, 125bhp at 3,400rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: leaf springs all around; Brakes: hydraulic drum all around. Left-hand drive.

First introduced on March 5, 1927, the La Salle motor car was met with enthusiasm by the American public as General Motors introduced its new car to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac. Moderately priced at around $3,000, the new La Salles were aimed at customers looking for a car slightly less conservative than a Cadillac yet built with the same high standards of manufacturing. The first cars were billed by GM as a companion car to Cadillac, possessing the same quality and dependability in a smaller package and at a lower price. Styling stood equal to function in the design. The new La Salle cars did well in their early years, boosting GM sales significantly and regaining market share from American competitors such as Packard and Lincoln.

For the 1939 model year, the company employed an aerodynamic and longer grill complete with the La Salle script across the front. The new grill was joined by two lower curved side grill, while the teardrop style headlights became incorporated into the body. Though the exterior of the car had been dramatically improved from its predecessor, the engine mechanics were essentially left unchanged as the eight-cylinder, 322ci motor provided ample power for most potential owners.

The 1939 Model 50 coupe offered is a handsome and amazingly preserved, original example and shows why it was easy to love. The sweeping coupe lines are complimented nicely by the black finish with flowing chrome trim and wide whitewall tires. Once seated behind the original, large-diameter steering wheel, this car really shines. The smooth-idling V8, taken directly from Cadillac, provides surprising power for effortless cruising and spirited acceleration - even up steep hills. The steering is also very solid, while the brakes provide reassuring stopping power and a very good feel for a car that is well over a half-century in age. Even the 'three on the tree' manual transmission is easy to operate. It shifts cleanly and smoothly and should prove very easy to master, even for the uninitiated.

Included with the car is a fairly extensive notebook with wiring and electrical information, some previous ownership history, and copious receipts for servicing, parts, and maintenance over the past three years. It is fair to say that great care was taken to make this car into an imminently drivable example.

In the swan song year of La Salle, the American automaker created a lovely, stylish car that is fondly appreciated and supported through club activities and vintage touring events. A recent article in Hemmings Motor News highlighted the very same model and it is in our opinion that this Model 50 may be the ideal chance for someone who has never owned a vehicle of this vintage to explore a new area of collecting without the intimidating prospect of spending six figures or having to channel the ghost of hand-cranks past just to take the car out for a Sunday cruise.
WITHOUT RESERVE

Source - Christies