For 1934, General Motors’ “little Cadillac,” the LaSalle, was no longer based upon Cadillac engineering and design, but rather was its own all-new car, with a freshly redesigned modern chassis, independent front suspension, an Oldsmobile-sourced L-head straight eight engine, and newly developed hydraulic brakes, as well as beautiful streamlined styling with delicate chrome accents and “ventiports” along the hood.

A 1934 LaSalle convertible coupe was chosen to pace that year’s Indianapolis 500. About 650 of this style were built, and just 50 are known to have survived worldwide, including as part of such prominent collections as the Petersen Automotive Museum.

The Diana Cream car offered here was formerly owned for many years by the late, longtime Classic Car Club of America member Bruce Armstrong of Seattle, Washington. The current owner saw it for the first time about 15 years ago at an event in the Pacific Northwest, to which the car had been driven by Mr. Armstrong. Struck by its beauty, he negotiated for years to buy the car before finally acquiring it from its longtime caretaker’s estate. He was told that Mr. Armstrong was the LaSalle’s second owner, having acquired it from the first, an heiress to the Carling brewing fortune (of Black Label and Red Cap fame).

Well-maintained over the years but never fully restored, this very honest and beautifully presented LaSalle is finished in its enthralling original color scheme. It has been freshly serviced with a new radiator, belts, hoses, and wheel bearings, as well as a rebuilt distributor and carburetor. It would be a fine touring automobile for a new owner, representing the “little Cadillac” at its most audacious and stylish.