1928 LaSalle Series 303

This 1928 LaSalle Model 303 Phaeton is an absolutely stunning, Fisher-bodied Phaeton that underwent an extensive frame-off restoration. Back in the early 1920s, famed GM executive Alfred P. Sloan noticed that there was a price gap between General Motors top-of-the-line marque Cadillac and the runner-up Buick. As such, a business opportunity arose for Cadillac to have a companion brand; a car built by Cadillac and up to Cadillacs standards but not quite as expensive. In 1924, Lawrence P. Fisher was the President of Cadillac and he called upon Harley Earl to design a car that was less conservative than Cadillac but still, to an extent, a Cadillac. Making its debut on March 5, 1927, the LaSalle was well received and its ultimate Harley Earl design was said to have been inspired by Hispano-Suiza with its peaked radiator, badge tie bar between the headlights, and its front fenders. The LaSalle name originated from the 17th Century French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, whose likeness could sometimes be seen as the LaSalles hood ornament. Another key element of the early LaSalle was the notion of Art and Color and the earliest LaSalles often utilized eye-catching two-tone paint. In LaSalles second year, the 1928 version of the LaSalle was largely left untouched from its debut. Perhaps the most visible change was that in the hood where 28 finer Louvers replaced the bulkier looking 12 louvered design which gives the 28 LaSalle a more modern look. Additionally, LaSalle introduced several new body styles for 1928 with the focus being even more economical bodies for more price-conscious buyers. In total, only 9,956 LaSalles were produced in 1928, of which a mere 1,575 were 4 door Phaetons which makes this particular example quite a rare piece of automotive history. This particular 1928 LaSalle 303 comes to us from the hands of a prominent collector who clearly took great care of this pre-war automobile. Under the hood on this 28 LaSalle Convertible is a 303 cubic inch L-Head V8 engine fed by a single barrel carburetor that were rated at 35 horsepower and said to have created over 75 horsepower when new. The 303 flathead V8 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted with a charming floor-mounted shifter. This luxurious LaSalle 303 Phaeton comes outfitted virtually all of the available options. This 1928 LaSalle comes outfitted with a pair of auxiliary Trippe lights that provide additional illumination while driving at dusk or even at night. Front wing windows are a nice feature on this open touring car as well since they reduce excessive wind for the driver and front passenger. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on color-matched painted wire wheels, this 28 Series 303 has a truly upscale look whether youre cruising on a CARavan or youre showing this beauty at the local car show. Further elevating the exterior look of this CCCA Full Classic are the dual side-mounted spare tire comprised of matching wide whitewall tires mounted on painted wire wheels. The dual sidemounts are also each topped with chrome outside mirrors which greatly improve visibility while parking or while cruising down the road. A rear-mounted folding trunk rack along with a color-matched trunk is another wonderful option included on this 28 LaSalle since it makes traveling in this 303 Phaeton much easier. The convertible top has been reupholstered in Drab-Duck Khaki canvas and its outfitted with a chrome-trimmed glass rear window. When down, the convertible top tucks neatly below a color-matched boot. The Fisher built body of this 1928 LaSalle has been refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting of Algerian Blue and Calumet Blue that completes the exterior appearance of the car. Like the exterior, the interior of this 1928 LaSalle Model 303 Phaeton is absolutely exquisite! The comfortable front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in beautiful Oxblood Red Leather that provides a wonderful contrast with the cars overall color scheme. The upholstered door panels, color matched carpeting painted dash, and black 4-spoke steering wheel are all in fantastic condition as well and all appear to retain a nice stock appearance. The instrument cluster comes equipped with a 80 MPH speedometer, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with a Jaeger clock and auxiliary lighting. Whether youre buying your very first Full Classic Car or youre a full fledged member of the Classic Car Club of America and looking to add another to your collection, this 1928 LaSalle Model 303 Phaeton would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!