1940 Lasalle 52special Green 52 Special Convertible Coupe

This rare 1940 LaSalle 52 Special Convertible Coupe, accepted as a Full Classic by the CCCA, is identified as an original California car. The 1940 52 Special, introduced at mid-year, featured General Motor’s new “torpedo” styling, riding on a 123-inch wheelbase and with a 130-horsepower L-head V8. This mostly original example has had only one owner for the past 30 years. He points out that the exterior was refinished “around the 1980s,” and photos show that the interior has also been redone. Professional mechanical restoration has included the engine, some wiring, and front suspension, with receipts totaling over $12,000. A detailed list of the mechanical restoration work can be requested from the seller in the Comments section below. The seller describes the car as “completely rust-free and an excellent quality driver or candidate for a cosmetic restoration.”

General Motors’ LaSalle was introduced in 1927, slotted between Cadillac and Buick. The 1927 LaSalle was created personally by Harley Earl, GM’s newly hired head of styling. LaSalles were built by Cadillac to Cadillac standards but offered at slightly lower prices that supplemented Cadillac sales throughout the years of the Great Depression. The half-year 1940 52 Special was well received, and LaSalle outsold Cadillac by nearly two-to-one in 1940. LaSalle production ended after 1940, to boost sales of lower-price Cadillacs

• The engine is a 322-cu.in. L-head V8, factory rated at 130 horsepower.
• Power passes through a three-speed manual transmission with a column shifter.
• The original engine has been completely rebuilt with less than 200 miles per the seller.
• No mechanical issues are reported.
• The seller describes the older repaint as “good, with a few small blemishes.”
• The glass and bright trim appear to present cleanly.
• The grille guard was listed as optional equipment.
• A tan vacuum-operated folding top is shown in the photos.
• The trunk area is seen as rough in the photos provided, with a spare wheel and tire.
• The dashboard has been refinished.
• The odometer reading of 48,605 may be original, although true miles are unknown.
• Optional equipment includes a windshield washer, radio, and heater.
• The seats, interior, and door panels have been redone in red and gray.
• Loop carpet of a later vintage covers the floors.
• The undercarriage displays the originality of an 84-year-old California car.
• The front suspension has been professionally rebuilt.
• The LaSalle rides on original 16-inch painted steel wheels with center caps.
• Tube-type Firestone Deluxe Champion wide-whitewall tires are mounted.

• Antennae, sun visors, rear convertible top covers, extra hubcaps and the grille emblem.

• The interior will need to be restored to match original specifications.
• The wipers, heater fan, radio, and clock are not functioning.
• A minor dent is reported on the driver’s door.
• Various paint nicks are identified by the seller.
• The rubber grommet surrounding the gas filler needs to be replaced.

• This is a rare (1 of 452), final-year 1940 LaSalle 52 Special Convertible Coupe.
• The car is believed to be mechanically original, including the engine and undercarriage.
• The exterior was refinished around the 1980s, according to the seller.
• The interior has been redone in non-original patterns, colors, and materials.
• This example is said to have been in one ownership for 30 years.
• The LaSalle is recognized as a Full Classic by the CCCA.

The seller states that this vehicle will be sold on a clean California title in his father’s name. This 1940 LaSalle 52 Special Convertible Coupe is one of only 425 reported to have been built in the final year of LaSalle production.