1929 LaSalle Series 328

The 1929 LaSalle was similar to the 1928 model 303. Power was from a 90-degree V8 engine that displaced 328 cubic inches. There was a selective transmission with synchro-mesh and 15-inch drum brakes on all four corners. There were nearly 20 body styles to select from, from both Fisher and Fleetwood coachbuilders. The wheelbase sizes available were 125- and 134-inches. New for 1929 were the Landau Cabriolet, while the Victoria and Business Coupes were no longer available. Pricing ranged from $2200 to just under $5,000. The more expensive coachwork was the 134-inch Fleetwood bodies.

Total sales for 1929 reached 22,961.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Fisher
Chassis number: 421186
Engine number: 421186

The LaSalle was introduced in 1927 and was intended to fill a perceived gap in the model range between Buick and Cadillac. Styling was performed by Harley Earl and would inspire General Motors to establish a separate division known as 'Art and Color' responsible for automotive styling, with Earl at the helm. The LaSalle's were built by Cadillac to the same high-quality standards and fitted with many luxury amenities. They introduced synchromesh on second and top gears along with safety glass. Mechanical changes included Duplex mechanical brakes, pressure lubrication on the piston pins and mid-year metric spark plugs. The LaSalle came with two wheelbase lengths, a 125- and 134-inch platform. They were available with a wide variety of bodywork, chiefly from Fisher although Fleetwood did produce some higher-priced versions. On 1929 cars, all bright work was chrome plated, and the parking lights were moved to the fenders.

Body style number 8580 was a Fisher-bodied 2/4 passenger Convertible Coupe with rumble seat. It rested on a 134-inch wheelbase.

This example was originally purchased by Percy Cowan who lived in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada and sold for $2,595. Percy purchased the car because it was faster than local law enforcement vehicles. He was a rum runner who supplied parts of northern New York state and beyond with Canadian booze during the heights of prohibition.

In 1937, it was sold to Mr. Fielka of Ritson Road in Oshawa, Ontario. Fielka was another bootlegger, though the car was probably not used for that purpose, as New York repealed prohibition in 1933. Fielka retained the car until 1969, when it passed to Jim Statham, also of Oshawa, Ontario. The car was owned until 1977, when Al Roeder of Newmarket, Ontario, purchased it.

In the early 1990s, a restoration began. In 1995, it was sold to William Allan Manford. In 1999 it was sold to the present owner.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $75,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Fisher
Chassis number: 417491

The 1929 LaSalle was built on two wheelbase lengths (125 and 134 inches) and offered in various bodywork. Most of the coachwork was done by Fisher, although Fleetwood did produce some higher-priced versions. All brightwork was chrome plated and the parking lights were moved to the fenders. This Series 328 Convertible Coupe rides on a 134-inch wheelbase and sold new for $2,495. It is finished in maroon with black fenders, a black leather interior, and a tan convertible top.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA, presented by Bonhams Auction. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 but could not find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Sedan by Fisher

The LaSalle marque was introduced in 1927 and named, like its sibling brand Cadillac, after a famous French explorer. Under designer Harley Earl's guidance, the LaSalle was more than a 'junior' Cadillac. Earl was influenced by the dashing style of Hispano-Suiza roadsters, which gave the LaSalle a sportier feel.

It has a slightly smaller wheelbase with high beltlines and narrow body sections. It also sports Cadillac-style brightwork, scripted grille emblems, and a likeness of Robert LaSalle as its hood ornament. There were nearly 20 body styles offered by both Fleetwood and Fisher, with prices ranging from $2,200 to just under $5,000.

Under the hood, it sports Cadillac's 328 cubic-inch 'Ninety Degree V-8', producing 85 horsepower. The 328 also features a Synchro-Mesh clashless 3-speed transmission and improved mechanical 4-wheel brakes.

This example is one of 2,479 Fisher-bodied town sedans produced. It has been treated to a comprehensive, five-year restoration and has since been honored with several awards, including the Class Award for Cadillac and LaSalle automobiles at the CCCA's Concours event, 'The Experience,' and the First Place Junior Award at Hershey.

The LaSalle was formally introduced on March 5, 1927, as a four-door sedan and offered for $2685. The 303 cubic-inch produced 75 horsepower and could carry the LaSalle's at speeds of 70 miles an hour. A few months after the vehicle's 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 body styles 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 from 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 body style 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 Dan Vaughan