Engine - 240 cubic-inch L-head Inline-8
Transmission - 3-speed manual with synchromesh
Horsepower - 95 at 3,700 rpm
Production - Approximately 600

“The Newest Car in the World”

In the late 1920s, General Motors had become fully committed to the idea of “companion” car marques, filling gaps in market price segments wherever they could be satisfied. Buick had Marquette, Oldsmobile had Viking, Oakland had Pontiac, and Cadillac had the stylish LaSalle.

By 1932, Marquette and Viking had been discontinued, and Oakland had been overshadowed by its younger sibling, Pontiac. The economic conditions of the early 1930s were challenging for automobiles, especially newer players like LaSalle. Among General Motors’ management, serious consideration was given to terminating the LaSalle line as well. Harley Earl's solution to save the brand he helped create was to present LaSalle as an entirely new car for 1934.

Designed by Julio Andrade under Earl’s close guidance, the distinct Art Deco styling was positively extraordinary. The new design was streamlined and elegant, featuring bi-plane bumpers that were exclusive to the 1934 model year. The fact that every LaSalle was expertly crafted at GM's Fleetwood body works further added to the model's prestige, even though the LaSalle was priced $1,000 less than the least expensive Cadillac. The car's 240 cubic-inch straight-eight engine shared components and engineering with Oldsmobile, along with its transmission, rear end, and brakes. The striking new LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe even served as the Indy pace car in 1934.

This 1934 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe has been well-cared for by only a few owners since originally ordered through the Claude Nolan distributorship in Florida. This spectacular LaSalle underwent restoration around 2018 in preparation for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that year.