1939 LaSalle Series 50

Sold $23,520 USD

• One of approximately 1,044 Convertible Coupes built for 1939
• Originally shipped to prominent West Coast Cadillac distributor Don Lee in Los Angeles
• Factory-equipped with running-board delete and option Group AD
• Numbers-matching body confirmed by a copy of its factory build record
• An attractive example from Cadillacs stylish companion marque

Positioned just below Cadillac in General Motors carefully segmented pre-war hierarchy, LaSalle offered buyers much of its upscale siblings style and engineering at a more accessible price. For 1939, the Series 50 was available in eight Fisher body styles and received a handsome update that echoed contemporary Cadillac design. Most notable were the contoured auxiliary grilles flanking a taller, narrower central grille, giving the LaSalle a more cohesive and imposing front appearance with distinctly Art Deco overtones. The distinctive bullet-shaped headlamps remained mounted high alongside the radiator shell, while revised hood louvers and a substantially increased glass area further modernized the design.

Among the most notable mechanical refinements for 1939 was a new cross-link steering system, designed to provide lighter, smoother operation. Power continued to come from Cadillacs proven 322-cubic-inch L-head V-8, paired with a three-speed manual transmission, providing the Series 50 with performance appropriate to its position between Buick and Cadillac in GMs hierarchy.

The attractive Series 50 Convertible Coupe offered here is one of approximately 1,044 examples produced in this desirable body style for 1939. A copy of its factory build record on file confirms that it was shipped new to prominent West Coast Cadillac distributor Don Lee in Los Angeles. It was specified with the no-cost running-board-delete option, lending the car an especially clean and streamlined profile, as well as option Group AD, which included a flexible steering wheel, automatic cigar lighter, license plate frames, and wheel discs.

The factory documentation records Franconia Beige Iridescent exterior paint with brown leather upholstery, a particularly handsome combination that appears consistent with the current presentation. Body number 235, noted on the cars trim tag, corresponds with the number recorded on its factory build record, providing valuable confirmation of the Fisher body originally assigned to this LaSalle.

Benefiting from a previous restoration and subsequently maintained as part of the esteemed James G. Robinson Collection, this handsome 1939 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe combines desirable open coachwork, documented factory specifications, and the sophisticated styling that made LaSalle one of GMs most distinctive pre-war marques. It represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a stylish example of an important American automobile from the final years of LaSalle production.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.