This 1940 LaSalle Series 50 is one of approximately 600 convertible coupes produced for the model year, and it was purchased by the current owner in 1984 and later refurbished. The car is finished in burgundy over matching upholstery, and power comes from a 322ci L-head V8 paired with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Features include dual side-mount spare wheels, driving lamps, turn signals, a tan soft top, an AM radio, and a heater. Service performed in 2024 reportedly included the installation of a replacement fuel tank and a battery. This final-year LaSalle is now offered on dealer consignment in Fontana, Wisconsin, with a clean Illinois title in the owner’s name.
The 1940 LaSalle lineup was redesigned under Harley Earl and was introduced in October 1939, with various body styles offered for the Series 50. The Fisher-built body on this example is said to have been repainted with burgundy lacquer paint approximately 25 years ago. Equipment includes chrome bumpers and trim, driving lamps, turn signals, a hood ornament, running boards, and a tan soft top. A World War II-era gasoline ration sticker is affixed to the windshield. Areas of cracking paint can be seen in the gallery.
Body-color steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps, and they are mounted with 7.00–16 Firestone bias-ply whitewall tires. Dual side-mount spares are stowed under body-color hard covers in the front fenders. The Series 50 rode on a 123″ wheelbase and featured an independent coil-sprung front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Stopping power is provided by hydraulic drums at all four corners.
The cabin features front and rear bench seats trimmed in burgundy upholstery along with color-matched door panels and carpets. Black carpets line the floors, and equipment includes a tan-painted steel dashboard and window trim, an AM radio, and a Cadillac-branded heater.
The ivory-color three-spoke steering wheel has a cracked rim, and it frames a 100-mph speedometer as well as gauges for water temperature, battery charge, fuel level, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 37k miles. Total mileage is unknown. The “B” from the battery charge gauge label is missing.
The 322ci L-head V8 was factory-rated at 130 horsepower. A replacement battery was installed in 2024.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. A replacement fuel tank was installed in 2024.