La Salle 303 4060 1930
General description :
GM’s long-serving president, Alfred P. Sloan was a man of tremendous vision. He saw the company into its greatest days and in the process developed many new strategies that still influence the automobile industry to this day. One of his more influential ideas was that of the companion brand. In the 1920s, Sloan had seen an ever growing price gap between the various brands within GM. Buick, Oldsmobile and Oakland each had their own companion brand to help bridge the gaps between lines, in the form of Marquette, Viking and Pontiac, respectively. When looking at Cadillac, Sloan decided that a new companion line should be offered below the famous brand, one that would provide “built by Cadillac” prestige at a price point that was more realistic for upper-middle class buyers. The new brand was called LaSalle and it offered a full range of attractive body styles built by Fisher and Fleetwood. The attractive bodies were penned by a talented young stylist named Harley Earl, in his first role at General Motors.
LaSalle enjoyed a rather successful run in its first few years, beginning in 1927. The Harley Earl styling was fresh and very attractive and LaSalle’s influence began to trickle down across the rest of the GM line. Fitment of Cadillac’s V8 engine meant the LaSalle was quite rapid and sporty thanks to the smaller and lighter chassis in comparison to its big brother. The onset of the Great Depression did put a damper on sales, however. Marquette and Viking had been killed off by 1930, but LaSalle was allowed to soldier on until the plug was pulled in 1941. In spite of consistently outselling Cadillac, LaSalle was shuttered to protect Cadillac’s reputation as a leader in the market against the likes of cross-town rivals at Packard.
Our featured 1930 LaSalle Model 4060 Phaeton is a handsome older restoration and a very usable example of this classic marque. The very desirable Fleetwood-built Phaeton body is finished in cream over brown fenders, chassis and coach lines with orange pinstripes and cream wheels providing the accents. While the restoration was completed some years ago, it was a proper full-nut-and-bolt affair that still presents nicely today. The paint is lovely, with a nice gloss and crisp body lines. A myriad of accessories are fitted such as dual sidemount spares, chrome spare-mounted mirrors, radiator stone guard, twin Trippelights, goddess radiator mascot and wind wings. Much of the chrome has been refreshed, though the bumpers do appear a bit careworn, though otherwise straight and solid.
The tan leather interior is tidy and attractive with a moderate patina on the front seats and carpet, while the rear seat doesn’t show too many signs of use. The driver’s seat shows some heavy creasing though is intact and still quite attractive. Original instruments grace the simple and clean dash, with dials to indicate water temp, oil pressure, amps, fuel level, speed as well as a lovely Jaeger clock. The large tan canvas top is in very good condition, showing no staining or excessive wear. Likewise, the top frame operates smoothly and is straight and free of damage. A matching tan canvas cover is fitted over the trunk, which is held in place with bridle leather straps.
Cadillac’s famous V8 engine is found under the hood and is well presented. The engine is clean and presents in period appropriate finishes, though it is not fussy or overdetailed. The presentation is in keeping with approachable and usable nature of this car. The V8 runs strong, smooth and the car performs simply beautifully on the road. As a recognized CCCA Full Classic, it would make an excellent tour car and would be superb for taking the family on ice cream runs or weekend getaways. It is easy to operate and a delight to drive, particularly when the large top is folded and everyone can enjoy the open air and the spacious cabin.
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http://hymanltd.com/vehicles/5732-1930-lasalle-model-4060/
1930 La Salle 303 4060 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $99500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : La Salle Model : 303 Model Version : 4060 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1930 Location : Missouri
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About La Salle
LaSalle, the stylish sibling in the General Motors family, born to complement Cadillac's elegance. Let's dive into the narrative of LaSalle cars and explore some of their most significant models along with their notable specifications.Act 1: The Genesis (1927)
In 1927, amidst the Roaring Twenties, LaSalle emerged as a response to the growing demand for luxury cars. Harley Earl, a design maestro and the visionary behind Cadillac's Art and Color Section, spearheaded the creation of LaSalle. The brand aimed to fill the gap between the mass-produced Buick and the prestigious Cadillac.
Act 2: The Debut (1929)
LaSalle made its grand entrance in 1929 with a stunning lineup. The Series 328, the inaugural model, embodied the essence of luxury and sophistication. Its sleek, streamlined design and attention to detail set it apart in the automotive landscape.
Act 3: Streamlining and Innovation (1930s)
The 1930s witnessed LaSalle's commitment to staying ahead of design trends. Streamlining became a focal point, with models like the 1934 Series 350 featuring integrated headlights and a smoother profile. LaSalle also embraced innovations such as synchromesh transmissions, enhancing driving comfort.
Act 4: Art Deco Influence (1940s)
As the automotive world transitioned to the 1940s, LaSalle's designs began to reflect the Art Deco influence of the era. The brand maintained its commitment to luxurious features, introducing models like the 1940 Series 52 with distinct styling and refined interiors.
Act 5: Post-War Evolution (1946-1954)
After a pause during World War II, LaSalle returned in 1946 with refreshed designs. The post-war era saw the brand adapting to evolving tastes. The 1948 Series 61, for example, featured a more modern look, embracing the changes in automotive aesthetics.
Act 6: The Final Bow (1954)
As the 1950s unfolded, LaSalle faced increasing challenges. In 1954, General Motors made the decision to retire the LaSalle brand. The last model, the 1954 LaSalle II Roadster, marked the end of an era.
Epilogue: Legacy and Influence
LaSalle, though short-lived, left an indelible mark on automotive design. Its commitment to style, innovation, and bridging the gap between mass production and luxury paved the way for future endeavors within the General Motors portfolio.
And there you have it, the captivating tale of LaSalle cars, a brand that brought a touch of elegance to the roads and added another layer to the rich tapestry of automotive history.