For 1933 the LaSalle followed parent Cadillac’s transition to contemporary styling, including a vee-section grille and skirted fenders with a distinctive scoop in the frontal view. As in 1932, Cadillac’s 353-cubic-inch engine was used, developing 115 bhp. The same array of Fisher bodies returned on the same two wheelbases, 130 and 136 inches. The long-wheelbase cars included the Type 652 five-passenger town sedan, an attractive close-coupled design.

This town sedan was ordered by General Motors of Canada, Ltd., on 5 January 1933. It was shipped to Oshawa, Ontario, on 10 January, painted Quebec Gray and Arlington Gray and equipped with fender wells and six 7.00-17 Royal tires. The order also calls out the “Torpedo” hood ornament, sometimes called “Bird in Flight” or “Bullet,” and painted tire covers. It was subsequently acquired by Butch Brown of Kearny, Nebraska, many years later. The Merrick Auto Museum acquired it in 1993.

After its current 1,500-hour, frame-off restoration, it appears in silver with maroon body and hood side panels. Upholstered in pleated, buttoned grey cord, it has an exquisitely ornate dashboard with full instrumentation, including an indicator for the adjustable shock absorbers.

The wire wheels are now painted to match the body sides, and they are fitted with 7.00-17 Lester wide whitewalls. The metal tire covers for the side-mount spares are present, but the Torpedo ornament has been changed to the more artful “Heron” used on 1932 Cadillacs and LaSalles.

For 1934 LaSalle assumed a completely new identity. Smaller, lighter, and less expensive in the face of the Great Depression, it was based largely on Oldsmobile and used a version of the Olds straight eight. As a result, the 1933 LaSalles are the last recognized as Full Classics by the Classic Car Club of America.