1937 LaSalle Coupe

Description

You may not be familiar with the name "LaSalle," but it's fair to say that it was Cadillac quality at a more affordable price. Not technically a Cadillac, this 1937 LaSalle business coupe nevertheless packs a Cadillac-engineered V8 and handsome big-car looks, all at a very reasonable price. If you'd like a smart alternative to the usual Buicks and Chryslers, this LaSalle deserves a closer look.

With its dual sidemounts and long, long hood, this LaSalle looks like it should be far more expensive than it is. In the 1930s, many of the GM brands we know today had what were called "companion" models, cars that would compete in a different price class to offer each brand a little more reach in the market. It would be a mistake to call the LaSalle a cheap Cadillac, but it was definitely a more prestigious car than a Pontiac or Buick, so it had its place in the hierarchy. Finished in traditional black, it embodies the late 1930s styling, where aerodynamics were just coming into play and looks just fantastic from any angle. The finish work is a few years old, so it's not perfect, but showing up in this car is still an event and a lot of people will have questions once they see the interesting "LaS" emblem on the bumper. Dual sidemounts were a rather rare option that give this car a lot of class, and there's still lots of chrome to make it look dressed up. And yes, someone has already spent the money to get that chrome into shape, don't worry about that.

Gray cloth provides a handsome low-key driving environment that's comfortable for two on long trips. It is simply but elegantly trimmed, with handsome garnish moldings on the windows and big, round gauges that are very much like big brother Cadillac. A banjo-style wheel looks great and makes the steering feel light, even at low speeds, and the floor-mounted shifter would continue another few years yet. Gray carpets are a nice touch, not quite correct but close enough. You'll also find a good bit of storage area behind the front seat, plus two drop-down opera seats for temporary use. The controls are sensibly laid out and if you've driven any car in the last 30 years, you can manage this LaSalle, so don't be intimidated by its age because it feels quite modern out on the road. There's also a massive trunk with a full-sized spare tucked underneath.

The engine is a 322 cubic inch version of Cadillacs 346 cubic inch V8, which was all-new in 1936. Torquey, smooth, and virtually indestructible, it's a fine powerplant for a car that's going to see the highway. It's nicely finished in correct olive green engine enamel and there's an oil bath air cleaner feeding the downdraft carburetor. It fires with a smooth burble from the single tailpipe, and there's no question that there are eight cylinders at work here. Running it through the gears, there's an endless flow of torque, and with the lightweight bodywork, it feels downright fast for the period. The new "knee action" independent front suspension has a sway bar, so it is a tidy handler and Cadillacs were always known for their decent brakes, so this car feels confident in today's traffic. The undercarriage might be original, but remains in very good order and in need of nothing, so you can get in and tour immediately. And it just wouldn't look right without those gleaming wide whites with correct trim rings and hubcaps.

Handsome, relatively rare, and a superb road car, this LaSalle offers a lot of virtues for not a lot of cash. Call today!