1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger TouringChassis no. 909967

1931 LaSalle Series 345-A 7-Passenger TouringChassis no. 909967
353ci V8 95bhp at 3,000rpmSingle Downdraft Cadillac/Johnson carburetor 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum BrakesSolid Front Axle with Live Rear Axle*Offered from long-term single-family ownership*Wearing same restoration since 1980's*Eligible for many Pre-War clubs and events*Desirable and rare body styleTHE LASALLE SERIES 345-A"Built by Cadillac to Cadillac standards," LaSalle was a slightly lower priced companion car to its larger Cadillac brethren and was produced from 1927 to 1940. Harley Earl's original LaSalle design, inspired by the European Hispano-Suiza, provided a sporty and colorful counterpoint to 1927 contemporaries. The new car's exciting appearance was picked up by the 1928-29 Cadillacs. By 1931, Cadillac V8 and LaSalle models would essentially differ only in detailing and emblems.A massive radiator and large stanchion-mounted headlamps gave the 1931 LaSalle a powerful frontal appearance that was clearly derived from the 1930-31 Cadillac V-16. Early 1931 LaSalles—the offered car is an example—featured louvers on the hood sides and, on open models only, the cowl. Later '31s had ventilating doors in these locations. The 1931 LaSalle 345-A line was powered by the same engine as the contemporary Cadillac 355. This 353-cid, 90-degree L-head V-8 was rated at 95 horsepower. The LaSalle chassis'134-inch wheelbase was also common with that year's Cadillac V8. Upgrades for 1931 provided a quieter, smoother ride.Body types for the 1931 LaSalle included seven standard styles by Fisher and six Fleetwood semi-customs. The 7-Passenger Touring was one of the Fleetwood styles. Cadillac records indicate that only 59 of the 10,095 LaSalles produced for 1931 were built with the touring car body. There would be no more truly open (sans glass side-windows) LaSalles after 1931.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDThe 1931 LaSalle being offered here is being sold publicly for the first time, after more than 30 years of single-family ownership, coming from a prominent collector of exquisite Pre-War American cars. When the car was acquired last in the early 1980's, it had just received a restoration by CM Restorations in San Diego, CA. which it still proudly wears today.The 1931 sales brochure called that year's LaSalle, "... a motorcar of exceptional fineness, possessed of a glowing beauty, with an élan and a spirited grace which few cars, no matter what the price, have ever matched." This very rare example of the 1931 LaSalle will delight the discerning collector who appreciates its scarcity and uncommonly authentic presentation.