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
The LaSalle Company was introduced by General Motors in 1927 as a alternative model to Cadillac. There had been a large price gap between the Buick and Cadillac model line and GM felt a new marque would be appropriate. The LaSalle line was designed....[continue reading]
Designed by Harley Earl as a 'companion car' to Cadillac and introduced in 1927. There are minimal differences between the '27s and '28s.....[continue reading]
LaSalle was produced as a companion marque to Cadillac from 1927 to 1940. General Motors President Alfred P. Sloan originated the 'companion' car concept as a means to introduce new nameplates that could be sold through existing sales organizations.....[continue reading]
In 1927 General Motors commissioned a flamboyant young designer from California, Harley J. Earl, to design a 'companion car' to Cadillac. The result was the LaSalle, the first ever production car designed by a stylist. For this design, Earl drew he....[continue reading]
The Model 303 was powered by a 303 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine delivering 75 horsepower. They had a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. ....[continue reading]
There were two wheelbase lengths for 1927 and eleven standard LaSalle body styles, all built by Fisher. Sales were strong, with 16,850 examples sold during the calendar year. For 1928, model year sales were 14,806 and would rise to 22,961 for 1929.....[continue reading]
The LaSalle, a new 'companion manufacturer' to Cadillac, was introduced in March of 1927. They were built to similar quality and prestige as the Cadillac, but were smaller and lighter, powered by a scaled-down L-head V8 engine, and offered with a low....[continue reading]
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1928 LaSalle Model 303 Production Figures
Sport Phaeton 13
14,806 total vehicles produced by LaSalle in 1928 Total 1928 LaSalle Model 303 production: 0