1940 LaSalle 52 - $80,000 - Shrewsbury, PA - MACC is pleased to present our latest project – a 1940 LaSalle four door convertible Sedan
The Harley Earl designed LaSalle was targeted by GM as a stylish, but lighter weight, alternative to Cadillac to complement the ‘aspiring business executive’ of the late 1930’s/early 40’s. This particular vehicle is one of the last pre-war LaSalle’s available and is an “all original car”. This beautiful example is 1 of 8 remaining 1940 La Salle 40-52 torpedo convertible sedan’s in existence. The LaSalle Series 40-52 shown here is one of the rarest LaSalle bodies produced, due to being introduced in the final year of production. It sits atop a 123 inch wheelbase and is powered by a 322 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 130 horsepower.
History of the LaSalle 52 Series:
The LaSalle model was created by General Motors to fill the price gap between Cadillac and Buick. With sticker prices around $3000, these attractive and conservative automobiles were affordable, reliable and built with Cadillac quality. General Motors advertised the LaSalle as being assembled to Cadillac standards in the Cadillac factory. Most of the innovative features from GM were first featured on the LaSalle product line and then migrated to Cadillac’s in later production years.
The LaSalle was practical, reliable, and functional automobiles. Unfortunately, the brand was introduced at a time in history that was economically unstable, especially for a new automotive name. They did not have the following or customer loyalty needed to stay in business. The Great Depression meant that the customers that could afford cars were probably sticking with a brand they knew and trusted. Even though this was true, the LaSalle did stimulate sales for General Motors during a difficult time in history. LaSalle stayed in production for fourteen years before GM cancelled the marque just prior to World War II.
The LaSalle met its demise in 1940 as Detroit geared up to become the Arsenal of Democracy but not before building a few special and singularly attractive Convertible Sedans in the lower Series 52 torpedo body style bodies shared with Cadillac’s Series 62 but distinguished by the LaSalle distinctive vertical grille prominent finely chiseled flanking fender grilles and headlights flaired into the front fenders. The Series 52 LaSalle was a mid-year introduction with a longer nearly fastback body and elegantly tapered rear fenders.