La Salle 303 Opera Coupe 1939
General description :
Well-maintained; only 60,877 miles from new• Opera Coupe model with rear jump seats• 322-cid L-head V-8 by Cadillac
This sleek 1939 LaSalle Opera Coupe is a rare and desirable model. It dates from one of the famed Cadillac-built marque’s most popular years. Amazingly, this beautifully maintained LaSalle still “resides” in 2014 at the same home where its original owner lived in1939. (Both car and house have of course changed hands over the years.) Over the 75 years between its delivery as a new car and now, the LaSalle has covered only 60,877 miles.
The LaSalle is splendidly finished in its original Trinidad Gray Iridescent color. Its factory optional Corsican Red wheels nicely display re-chromed original hubcaps. The car’s lacquer paint was applied in 1988, during a frame-on restoration. The undercarriage is “as clean as they get,” and the car has never had any rust.
Incorporating many refinements, the 1939 LaSalle offered greater interior room and more luxurious appointments than any other car in its class. The powerful LaSalle V-8 was relatively compact compared to competitors’ straight eight and V-12 engines. This fact made it possible to build the car on a 120-inch wheelbase, which contributed to its excellent maneuverability.
Designated Model 39-5027, the LaSalle Opera Coupe for 1939 features a pair of small fold-down auxiliary “jump seats” behind its full-width front seat. These provide extra passenger capacity for occasional use. Only 3,531 Opera Coupes were counted into the total of 23,002 LaSalles made for 1939.
From its debut in 1927 to its final 1940 model year, LaSalle was a lower-priced, lighter and sportier “companion car” to General Motors’ luxury-leader Cadillac. A young stylist from California named Harley J. Earl designed the first LaSalle. It generated so much acclaim that he was invited to become GM’s first chief stylist—a post he held through 1958.
In 1934, Earl created a new streamline LaSalle featuring the tall, narrow grille that became a LaSalle signature feature retained to the end in 1940. “No other car looks even remotely like the new LaSalle,” a 1939 advertisement enthused, and from the front view, it was absolutely true. The Opera Coupe’s grille and hood ornament retain their original chrome plating.
LaSalle’s new-for-1939 Fisher Unisteel bodies all but eliminated structural wood—a good thing then; an even better thing now. Larger window openings at the front, rear and sides increased visibility over 1938 models. Chrome reveal moldings around the side window openings gave the LaSalle Opera Coupe a quite intentional hint of the contemporary Cadillac 60 Special’s popular styling.
The offered LaSalle retains its original broadcloth-trimmed front seat and door panels, while the jump seats have been reupholstered. Options include the radio and working deluxe ventilating heater—which included the air inlet seen on the right-side cowl.
Full description at http://www.classix.se
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1939 La Salle 303 Opera Coupe is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Saxtorp by Auto Dealer for €35000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : La Salle Model : 303 Model Version : Opera Coupe Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1939 Sub type : Coupé Location : Scoutvägen 25SE-26193 Saxtorp
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About La Salle
LaSalle, the stylish sibling in the General Motors family, born to complement Cadillac's elegance. Let's dive into the narrative of LaSalle cars and explore some of their most significant models along with their notable specifications.Act 1: The Genesis (1927)
In 1927, amidst the Roaring Twenties, LaSalle emerged as a response to the growing demand for luxury cars. Harley Earl, a design maestro and the visionary behind Cadillac's Art and Color Section, spearheaded the creation of LaSalle. The brand aimed to fill the gap between the mass-produced Buick and the prestigious Cadillac.
Act 2: The Debut (1929)
LaSalle made its grand entrance in 1929 with a stunning lineup. The Series 328, the inaugural model, embodied the essence of luxury and sophistication. Its sleek, streamlined design and attention to detail set it apart in the automotive landscape.
Act 3: Streamlining and Innovation (1930s)
The 1930s witnessed LaSalle's commitment to staying ahead of design trends. Streamlining became a focal point, with models like the 1934 Series 350 featuring integrated headlights and a smoother profile. LaSalle also embraced innovations such as synchromesh transmissions, enhancing driving comfort.
Act 4: Art Deco Influence (1940s)
As the automotive world transitioned to the 1940s, LaSalle's designs began to reflect the Art Deco influence of the era. The brand maintained its commitment to luxurious features, introducing models like the 1940 Series 52 with distinct styling and refined interiors.
Act 5: Post-War Evolution (1946-1954)
After a pause during World War II, LaSalle returned in 1946 with refreshed designs. The post-war era saw the brand adapting to evolving tastes. The 1948 Series 61, for example, featured a more modern look, embracing the changes in automotive aesthetics.
Act 6: The Final Bow (1954)
As the 1950s unfolded, LaSalle faced increasing challenges. In 1954, General Motors made the decision to retire the LaSalle brand. The last model, the 1954 LaSalle II Roadster, marked the end of an era.
Epilogue: Legacy and Influence
LaSalle, though short-lived, left an indelible mark on automotive design. Its commitment to style, innovation, and bridging the gap between mass production and luxury paved the way for future endeavors within the General Motors portfolio.
And there you have it, the captivating tale of LaSalle cars, a brand that brought a touch of elegance to the roads and added another layer to the rich tapestry of automotive history.