LOT 257 •
Full CCCA Classic 1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger Touring Chassis no. 900954
Sold for US$52,650 inc. premium
Lot 257•
Full CCCA Classic, 1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger Touring Chassis no. 900954
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
Full CCCA Classic
1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger Touring
Chassis no. 900954
1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger Touring
Chassis no. 900954
“Built by Cadillac to Cadillac standards,” LaSalle was a slightly lower priced companion car to its larger Cadillac brethren and was produced from 1927 to 1940. Harley Earl's original LaSalle design, inspired by the European Hispano-Suiza, provided a sporty and colorful counterpoint to 1927 contemporaries. The new car's exciting appearance was picked up by the 1928-29 Cadillacs. By 1931, Cadillac V8 and LaSalle models would essentially differ only in detailing and emblems.
A massive radiator and large stanchion-mounted headlamps gave the 1931 LaSalle a powerful frontal appearance that was clearly derived from the 1930-31 Cadillac V-16. Early 1931 LaSalles—the offered car is an example—featured louvers on the hood sides and, on open models only, the cowl. Later '31s had ventilating doors in these locations.
The 1931 LaSalle 345-A line was powered by the same engine as the contemporary Cadillac 355. This 353-cid, 90-degree L-head V-8 was rated at 95 horsepower.
The LaSalle chassis’134-inch wheelbase was also common with that year's Cadillac V8. Upgrades for 1931 provided a quieter, smoother ride.
Body types for the 1931 LaSalle included seven standard styles by Fisher and six Fleetwood semi-customs. The 7-Passenger Touring was one of the Fleetwood styles. Cadillac records indicate that only 59 of the 10,095 LaSalles produced for 1931 were built with the touring car body. There would be no more truly open (sans glass side-windows) LaSalles after 1931.
The offered LaSalle was a two-owner car when acquired by the vendor in 2007—the second owner having held the car since 1947! Nicely restored to an authentic 1931 appearance, the LaSalle is in excellent condition and is accorded Full Classic status by the CCCA.
Factory options on LaSalle include the chrome-plated mesh radiator stone guard, Cadillac “goddess” radiator ornament, wire wheels, dual sidemounts and rear trunk rack. The rear tonneau windshield with windwings is a period-correct accessory. Some records and the factory tool kit are included.
The 1931 sales brochure called that year's LaSalle, “… a motorcar of exceptional fineness, possessed of a glowing beauty, with an élan and a spirited grace which few cars, no matter what the price, have ever matched.”
This very rare example of the 1931 LaSalle 7-Passenger Touring will delight the discerning collector who appreciates its scarcity and uncommonly authentic presentation.
A massive radiator and large stanchion-mounted headlamps gave the 1931 LaSalle a powerful frontal appearance that was clearly derived from the 1930-31 Cadillac V-16. Early 1931 LaSalles—the offered car is an example—featured louvers on the hood sides and, on open models only, the cowl. Later '31s had ventilating doors in these locations.
The 1931 LaSalle 345-A line was powered by the same engine as the contemporary Cadillac 355. This 353-cid, 90-degree L-head V-8 was rated at 95 horsepower.
The LaSalle chassis’134-inch wheelbase was also common with that year's Cadillac V8. Upgrades for 1931 provided a quieter, smoother ride.
Body types for the 1931 LaSalle included seven standard styles by Fisher and six Fleetwood semi-customs. The 7-Passenger Touring was one of the Fleetwood styles. Cadillac records indicate that only 59 of the 10,095 LaSalles produced for 1931 were built with the touring car body. There would be no more truly open (sans glass side-windows) LaSalles after 1931.
The offered LaSalle was a two-owner car when acquired by the vendor in 2007—the second owner having held the car since 1947! Nicely restored to an authentic 1931 appearance, the LaSalle is in excellent condition and is accorded Full Classic status by the CCCA.
Factory options on LaSalle include the chrome-plated mesh radiator stone guard, Cadillac “goddess” radiator ornament, wire wheels, dual sidemounts and rear trunk rack. The rear tonneau windshield with windwings is a period-correct accessory. Some records and the factory tool kit are included.
The 1931 sales brochure called that year's LaSalle, “… a motorcar of exceptional fineness, possessed of a glowing beauty, with an élan and a spirited grace which few cars, no matter what the price, have ever matched.”
This very rare example of the 1931 LaSalle 7-Passenger Touring will delight the discerning collector who appreciates its scarcity and uncommonly authentic presentation.
Saleroom notices
The VIN number was incorrectly noted in the catalogue and should read 803617
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
Lot symbols
| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |