1932 LaSalle 345B

The LaSalle automobile was introduced by General Motors in 1927 and served as a companion brand to fill the gap between Buick and Cadillac. Alfred P. Sloan created LaSalle as a companion marque for Cadillac, and the brand name was based on that of a French explorer, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. The design of the LaSalle was courtesy of Harley Earl, who would enjoy a 30-year career at General Motors.

The LaSalle automobiles were available in a full range of body styles, including Fisher and Fleetwood Metal Body-built custom designs. Open cars could be ordered in tri-tone color combinations. Wheelbase sizes ranged between 128- and 134-inches and were powered by Cadillac's 'Ninety Degree V-8' engine.

The LaSalle automobiles were built through 1940 and attracted many customers to the GM family, especially younger customers seeking something above the Buick but not as expensive as a Cadillac.

The 1932 LaSalle 345-B had wheelbase sizes of 130 and 136 inches and was powered by a 353 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine offering 115 horsepower. The engine was backed by a three-speed synchromesh transmission with mechanical brakes at all four corners. The 130-inch Fisher body styles included a coupe, sedan, town coupe, and convertible coupe. A town sedan, 7-passenger sedan, and Imperial sedan rested on the larger, 136-inch platform. In the front was a monogram bar and lights similar to the 1931 345-A models.

During 1932, a total of 3,290 LaSalle models were sold.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020