1930 LaSalle Phaeton 7 Passenger Touring Car
Many folks are not familiar with the LaSalle automobile other than possibly from the introduction to the classic TV show, "All in the Family", where Archie and Edith sing, "Gee our old LaSalle ran great. Those were the days." Since Cadillac had been named for the famed French explorer, what could be more logical than to honor another French explorer with the new car, and so the LaSalle was born.
For consignment from an original crop of 239 total cars built for this year, this is one of 6 to survive. It was a car originally sent to Argentina, finally making its way back to the US. It was in a museum, and over the past 20 years the current consigner has spent large sums of money on maintenance and minor touch ups to make the car excellent. We present the 1930 LaSalle...as beautiful as it is rare and a mere 59,118 original miles.
Exterior
With its beautifully curving front fenders which gently dance down to the running boards that attach to the nearly inset rear curving fenders, we have a great trailblazing design. These are bathed in dark teal and have a white pinstripe that whips around the edges. At the belt line skating the top edge of the doors and extending through the front cowled hood is another dark teal area, and also makes use of the white pinstripe. The remaining steel panels of this car have been sprayed with mint green. Paint shows chipping, some surface rust peeking through, and crazing throughout. All chrome is good with ever so slight pitting and dulling, however mostly nicely preserved. Flanked by the front fenders is a large chromed radiator complete with LaSalle script badging and has 2 large headlights and a fog light attached. Turn signals sit proudly on the fenders, and a canvas cream colored cover is over 2 spare tires nestled into the front fenders. A matching cream colored convertible top functions properly and is in good condition. Steel spoked wire wheels in mint color, with a newly plated cap in the center and a wrapping of a wide white bias ply tire is seen on all 4 corners and the spares of this 7-passenger car. Bringing up the rear is a near perfectly restored metal trunk also draped in the dark teal, and plenty of chromed trim on it.
Interior
Offering up two rows of overstuffed supple saddle brown leather benches, all passengers will ride in comfort. These seats are in excellent condition. For 2 extra passengers, jump seats magically appear unfolded from the floor creating a third row. These are covered in the saddle leather and are comfortable as well. When folded they reveal beautiful wool carpet in just a lighter shade than the saddle, and in pristine condition. Door panels are also covered in the saddle leather and are excellently preserved. A dark teal sprayed dash has a smattering of instrumentation, and is fronted by a fairly pedestrian steering wheel, no glitz or glamour here! The interior is in excellent condition.
Drivetrain
Opening the cowls, we reveal a masterpiece of 1930's engineering with the heavy 340ci L head V8 engine. This is beautifully covered in paint and polished parts and is topped by a 1-barrel Cadillac Johnson carburetor. A 3-speed manual transmission original to the car, just like the engine, is attached to the rear of the engine. A 4.50 ratio rear works to propel the car. Meticulous records are provided of work done with the engine as well as various other parts of the car for the past 20 years.
Undercarriage
Save for a few water spots and some light surface rust on the leaf springs, all is well cared for underneath and structurally sound. The Fisher Chassis is holding up well, and it is supporting the Fleetwood Body #4057 very nicely.
Drive-Ability
With a slight cranking this L head came to life. It idled smoothly and going up through the gears one can hear the sweet sound of an old transmission that whirrs. We packed this car with 7 passengers, and it rode beautifully full and empty, and everyone was comfortable. Smooth and nice power range/gear ratio.
With early consultation with designer Harley Earl, Lawrence P. Fisher (of Fisher body fame) now GM President, made a decision to have a fresh design that changed the course of an entire industry with regard to styling and marketing. The result is this rare survivor, on overall good condition, some paint faults, structurally sound, and a fine running automobile with a very comfortable leather interior. Great colour combination (using the Brit colour adds more class according to Earl.
Fleetwood Body Tag
STYLE 4057-4 Dr Phaeton 7 Passenger Touring Car
BODY 156-Body #
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.