1935 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe

The LaSalle was very popular when it was first introduced in 1927, but by 1932 sales had plummeted to 3,386 cars. This was down from 22,961 from just three years earlier. Discussions about discontinuing the brand began, even though it was still outselling its senior sibling, the Cadillac. These talks were quieted when famed Harley Earl gave it new life with updated styling.

The new LaSalle design was introduced in 1934 and featured a newly designed chassis and an L-head straight-eight from Oldsmobile. The vehicle had lightweight Lynite aluminum pistons, a single plate clutch, hydraulic brakes (which was a first for the General), and an independent front suspension.

This 1935 LaSalle Convertible Coupe wears coachwork by Fisher and rides on a wheelbase that measures 120 inches. It was delivered new to the New York Branch in mid-June of 1935. It left the factory with the X and D accessory groups, which included fender-mounted spare wheels and metal tire covers, wheel disc covers, chrome wheel trim rings, rumble seat, radio and antennal, right-hand sun visor, flexible steering wheel, license frame, electric clock, torpedo ornament, securing plate glass, wheel disc covers, and chrome hood ports.

In 2008, this vehicle, one of only 874 examples produced, was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It had an estimated value of $120,000 - $140,000. It had a high bid of $85,000, but this was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. The lot was not sold.

Later, the car received a frame-off restoration by R & E Engineering of Manchester, Michigan, by owner Frank Zapalla of Michigan. Great effort was made to ensure that the car was restored in great detail to its original state.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009