In the late 1920s, companion cars were all the rage at General Motors. Buick had Marquette. Oldsmobile offered Viking. Oakland featured Pontiac, and Cadillac, the stylish LaSalle. By 1932, Marquette and Viking were dropped; Oakland, too, usurped by its understudy Pontiac. Inside GM, there was talk of dropping LaSalle, which bothered styling chief Harley Earl tremendously. LaSalle was, after all, his baby. The struggling early-Thirties economy made it a tough go for automobiles, especially upstarts like LaSalle.

The 1933 year was an important one for both Cadillac and LaSalle in terms of design evolution. All models were introduced early in the year showing startling styling changes that marked a sharp break from the past. Gone forever was the cobbled-up, rectangular look. The new trend was toward streamlined, integrated body lines with an abundance of curves, which flowed smoothly from bumper to bumper. Changes included skirted fenders, a V-shaped radiator shell and grille, and horizontal hood ventilator doors. LaSalle, arguably GM’s most stylish model line of the era, continued in production until 1940 when the marque was discontinued.

This rare Convertible Coupe with rumble seat was purchased by the consigner in 2012 from its previous owner of 70 years. Having desired this model for some time and unable to find one previously, the consigner drove and enjoyed the car until 2015. At the time of purchase, Stone Barn Restorations was contracted to assure the LaSalle’s roadworthiness. Receipts totaling $39,000 detailing work completed by they shop are available for review.

In 2016, the consignor commissioned Frank Scudese of Hardwick, New Jersey to restore the LaSalle to factory specifications. To ensure correctness and authenticity, Scudese consulted LaSalle manuals throughout the restoration, which was completed in 2021. A proper 1933 engine (though not the original) was sourced to replace the incorrect one that was installed in the car when the consignor first purchased it.

The car presents beautifully today thanks to its high-quality restoration, expertly finished in Fawn Beige with black accents over a dark red interior and matching wire wheels. It includes an accessory trunk rack and dual side-mounted spare tires.

Despite its small size, this Classic Car Club of America Full Classic is roomy and among the more enjoyable cars of its era to drive, including those much bigger, making it an excellent option for CARavans and club events.