Image of 1939 Lasalle Series 50, sourced from bringatrailer.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1939 LaSalle Series 50

The 1939 LaSalle Series 50 emerges as a testament to the opulence and innovation of pre-war American automotive design. Born from the prestigious Cadillac division of General Motors, this vehicle not only served as a more accessible luxury car but also as a swansong for the LaSalle brand, which would cease production after this final flourish. The Series 50 was a product of an era where cars were not just modes of transportation but statements of style and status. A unique fact that stirs the interest of many enthusiasts is that the LaSalle was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, an explorer who ventured through North America's interior – a nod to the adventurous spirit this car embodies.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1939 LaSalle Series 50 was a harmonious blend of streamlined curves and bold chrome accents, encapsulating the Art Deco movement's influence on automotive design. The iconic grille, with its intricate pattern, was instantly recognizable and became synonymous with the brand's luxurious image. Inside, passengers were enveloped in an environment that exuded comfort and sophistication, with high-quality fabrics and wood veneers adorning the cabin. Technologically, it boasted advancements such as independent front suspension and a column-mounted gear shift – features that were cutting-edge at the time. Color options ranged from stately blacks and blues to more vibrant hues, with Gunmetal Grey being a particularly sought-after choice. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the convertible coupe, which perfectly captured the essence of freedom and elegance that defined this era's motoring experience.

Historical Significance

The LaSalle Series 50 set itself apart through its combination of luxury and affordability, bridging a gap in General Motors' lineup between Cadillac's opulence and Chevrolet's economy. Its influence on automotive design was profound; it helped popularize features like all-steel turret tops and integrated headlights that would become industry standards. The Series 50 was not just another car; it was a harbinger of change in how automobiles were perceived and experienced.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1939 LaSalle Series 50 packed a robust 322 cubic inch Monobloc V8 engine that propelled it to impressive speeds for its time. While exact top speed figures vary, it could comfortably cruise at highway speeds, with acceleration brisk enough to leave many contemporaries trailing in its wake. On winding roads or over uneven surfaces, drivers appreciated its poised handling – a testament to its well-engineered chassis and suspension system. Behind the wheel, one could hear the distinct purr of its V8 engine – a sound that became synonymous with American automotive power.

Ownership Experience

The LaSalle Series 50 found its place in various roles ranging from daily driving to weekend showpieces or even as occasional racers in vintage events. Its reliability was commendable for its time, though modern owners should be prepared for the intricacies involved in maintaining such a classic machine. Parts may be scarce, but a dedicated community of enthusiasts often provides support for those seeking to keep these vehicles on the road.

Fun Facts

The LaSalle holds an esteemed place in history with rare editions being highly coveted by collectors. Celebrity ownerships have included big names from Hollywood's golden age who were drawn to its allure. While it may not hold any speed records today, it remains an enduring symbol of pre-war luxury and style.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1939 LaSalle Series 50 can fetch anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 depending on condition, provenance, and originality. With only several thousand units produced across all body styles for this final year model, they are relatively rare finds in classic car markets. As appreciation for pre-war classics grows, values for these elegant machines have steadily risen – making them not just beautiful pieces of history but wise investments too.

Conclusion

The 1939 LaSalle Series 50 stands as an enduring icon of American automotive elegance and innovation. It marked both an end and a legacy – closing the chapter on one of General Motors' most storied marques while setting design standards that would resonate through subsequent generations of cars. For those fortunate enough to experience this classic gem firsthand or own one today, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into an era when cars were crafted with passion and pride.

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 45Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 44Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/8" wide X 4-3/8" long, with 1-5/8" long inner slot. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Rear Bumper Valance Splash Shield-BG 86-DRear Bumper Valance Splash Shield. '39-'40 LaSalle Series 50 and 52. Dense rubber formed extrusion. 58-1/2 in. long with correct mounting slots. Each.

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Gravel Shields. Flat without metal backing plates-FS 25Gravel Shields. Flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 16" long X 9" wide at top and 7-1/2" wide at bottom. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Gravel Shields and Narrow Body Section Gravel Shields-FS 25-26Gravel Shields and Narrow Body Section Gravel Shields. Gravel Shields: 16" long X 8-1/2" wide at top and 6-1/2" wide at bottom. Narrow Body Section: 14" long, with beaded edge extending 1" along top and bottom. Complete 4-piece set

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Narrow Body Section Gravel Shields-FS 26Narrow Body Section Gravel Shields. This part used on most models. 14" long, with beaded edge extending 1" along top and bottom. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Gravel Shields. Flat without metal backing plates-FS 28Gravel Shields. Flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 15-1/2" long X 8-3/4" wide at top X 9-1/4" at bottom. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Gas Filler Grommet. 4" long, 3-1/8" wide, 2-1/4" I.D-GF 41-AGas Filler Grommet. 4" long, 3-1/8" wide, 2-1/4" I.D. Each

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/8" O.D., 7-3/8" I.D. Pair-HR 8Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/8" O.D., 7-3/8" I.D. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Park Light Pads. 16-5/8" long X 1-7/8" wide. Pair-MP 400Park Light Pads. 16-5/8" long X 1-7/8" wide. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Tail-Light Pads. Fits 3-1/8" wide metal-MP 410Tail-Light Pads. Fits 3-1/8" wide metal. 3-1/2" wide X 10-1/8" long. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Tail-Light Pads. Fits 2-1/2" wide metal. 3" wide X 9" long-MP 420Tail-Light Pads. Fits 2-1/2" wide metal. 3" wide X 9" long. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Tail-Light Pads. Fits 2-1/8" wide metal-MP 421Tail-Light Pads. Fits 2-1/8" wide metal. 2-1/2" wide X 8-7/8" long. Pair

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 9-1/4" long. 4-Piece Set-MP 421-ATrunk Hinge Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 9-1/4" long. 4-Piece Set

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Hood Latch Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 7-1/2" long. Each-MP 421-BHood Latch Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 7-1/2" long. Each

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Front Vent Window Seals. Does not fit Convertible-WR 7306Front Vent Window Seals. Does not fit Convertible. Pair R&L

1939 LaSalle Series 50 Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles. Pair R&L-WR 7310Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles. Pair R&L