Lot 30
1933 LaSalle 345-C Convertible Coupe

This lot is available for online bidding at Proxibid.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com

353 cid V-8 engine, 115 HP, three-speed manual transmission; wheelbase: 130”


In the early 1920s, General Motors’ CEO Alfred P. Sloan made the decision to create market segments to strategically position their many different automobile brands. He quickly noticed the price gaps that started to form between the GM family of brands, so Sloan created “companion” marques that could be sold through, and by, the already established brand specific dealerships. Looking to the bridge the gap between the Buick and Cadillac brand, GM-appointed automotive design legend Harley Earl, who would eventually become head of all design and styling at GM, to generate an all-new automobile. By 1927, the LaSalle was brought to market and made an elegant and desirable impression on the motoring public. Harley Earl drew inspiration for the LaSalle from the Cadillacs of the day and from the Spanish-Swiss Hispano-Suiza automotive-engineering company. With great success out of the gate, the LaSalle would later see a decline in sales due to the worldwide Great Depression. After surviving the difficult economic slump, the LaSalle was able to continue production until 1940 when the brand was phased out. Going through three distinct body changes in its lifetime, the first round of the LaSalles from 1927 through 1933 are distinctly designed and closely resemble its Cadillac brethren.

Offered here is an incredibly rare 1933 LaSalle Convertible Coupe. Stamped as body number 8, as evident from its data plate, it is a one of the earliest examples one can find from the 1933 production year. This is 1 of just 146 convertible coupes produced in 1933 and 1 of only 5 listed in the Cadillac LaSalle Club directory and is arguably one of the finest of the few examples to have survived and has been meticulously restored beyond its original showroom appearance. Since new, it has only changed hands two times, with the current owner being the third owner. For most of its life it stayed with the original owner in California, but it was eventually sold and shipped to Canada. Once the new owner in Canada acquired it, he made the decision to have it go through a complete frame-off restoration - the outcome was truly striking. After the restoration was completed, the LaSalle made its way back to the United States to its current owner - a lifelong car collector.

The entire car was taken apart and properly brought back to life. The outside was painted in a luxurious Autumn Blaze Mist Red and gray color combination, while the new black convertible top with landau bars was meticulously fitted onto the car, leaving no wrinkles. The brightwork shines brilliantly with no signs of dullness or pitting. The wire rims were wrapped in brand-new wide whitewall tires with metal covered dual side-mounted spare tires. The front end features an elegant but intimidating appearance that has dual Trippe lights, cowl lights and trumpet horns.

The inside and rumble seating were fitted with new red leather that portrays a welcoming entrance when entering the cabin. The genuine woodgrain dash shines beautifully and the Art Deco style gauges and instrument panel have been beautifully restored to their original condition. The rare period-correct radio is intact and mounted to the bottom of the dash to complete the look. The 353-cubic-inch V-8 engine and all of its surroundings have been thoroughly sorted, leaving this LaSalle ready to run and drive, in top tier condition.

An opportunity for the next owner to debut, this incredibly rare and beautifully restored 1933 LaSalle CCCA Full Classic® is eagerly waiting to roll onto the show field and make a lasting impression.