This 1931 LaSalle Five-Passenger Coupe was ordered with dual sidemounted spares and stainless-spoke wheels, and intended for delivery in Chicago, as per its build sheet. But a buyer awaited in Columbus, Ohio, and it was instead diverted there to be received by its original owner. According to a written history in the car’s file, the LaSalle was purchased by James B. Hanna, founder of the Hanna Paint Company and one of Columbus’s most prominent businessmen. Mr. Hanna passed away in 1936 and his widow left the car parked in her garage until 1970, when—with only about 15,000 miles on the odometer—it was sold to longtime Classic Car Club of America member Gene Perkins.

Mr. Perkins resold the LaSalle to Elmer Ingle of Indianapolis, who refinished it in the current elegant color scheme—two shades of green with yellow striping and wheels—installed tempered safety glass in the windows, and replaced the moth-eaten original fabric himself, a retired upholsterer of considerable skill. Other than regular servicing, the car’s engine, transmission, and major mechanical systems required no work, and even the original mechanical fuel pump is present, as well as what are believed to be the original 1931 tires on the sidemounted spares.

The LaSalle regularly appeared at CCCA shows and in various events and tours in Indiana for many years. Only in 1987 did Mr. Ingle sell it to his fellow Indianapolis resident, Fred Barber, who moved with it to Raleigh, North Carolina and kept it there until 1998. It was acquired for the present collection in 2014.

Today the car remains in very attractive condition and its finishes, so nicely done by Mr. Ingle, have mellowed until it once again looks like the well-preserved car that it was when found. Even now the sensitive nature of the work is still present, including the factory-applied engine, chassis, and body numbers carefully stenciled onto the firewall. Awaiting awakening after some years on display in the present collection, it is a LaSalle very much to be proud of and to enjoy, and that deserves reintroduction to the CCCA world after a long absence.