- Exceedingly rare and exceptionally attractive Art Deco design and features
- 2019 Cadillac-LaSalle National Best in Show award winner
- A CCCA Full Classic®
LOT 628
Selling on Saturday Evening
From a Noted Texas Collection; Body by Fleetwood
1934 LaSalle Series 350 Coupe
Originally introduced by Cadillac in 1927, LaSalle was conceived as a companion marque to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac, and to allow Cadillac to compete more directly with premium brands like Packard and Lincoln. The LaSalle line was designed to offer a youthful, stylish, and slightly more affordable alternative, with an emphasis on performance and design flair.
By 1934, LaSalle had fully embraced the streamlined Art Deco-inspired styling that defined the era. The Series 350 rode on a 128-inch wheelbase and featured a dramatically sloped grille, skirted fenders, and a long, elegant hood, all hallmarks of Harley Earl's revolutionary design language. Earl, who headed GM's Art and Colour Section, had already left a lasting impression with the original LaSalle in 1927, and by 1934, his vision had matured into a striking balance of luxury and modernity. The Coupe variant, with its flowing roofline and tidy proportions, stood out as a fashionable yet accessible vehicle in Cadillac's broader portfolio.
Mechanically, the 1934 LaSalle was powered by a 240-cubic-inch straight-eight engine producing approximately 95 horsepower. It featured innovations such as independent front suspension and synchromesh transmission, making it not only stylish but also smooth and refined on the road. The chassis and drivetrain were developed with Cadillac engineering oversight, ensuring LaSalle maintained a reputation for quality and dependability. The 1934 model year also marked an important turning point as LaSalle began to distinguish itself less as a "junior Cadillac" and more as a standalone brand with its own identity. Sales were modest but steady, with buyers attracted to the brand's sleek appearance and Cadillac-level engineering without the higher price tag. Today, the 1934 LaSalle Series 350 Rumbleseat Coupe is prized by collectors for its distinctive styling, historical significance, and connection to Harley Earl's early design legacy.
Wearing body tag number 35-178, this 1934 LaSalle Series 350 Rumbleseat Coupe is 1 of mere 19 examples originally built by Fleetwood as noted in the authoritative LaSalle book, "LaSalle Cadillac's Companion Car Book", and stands as just 1 of 4 known examples listed in the CCCA national registry. Acquired by the current Noted Texas Collection in May of 2016, it was purchased from LaSalle expert Ron VanGelderen. Under Ron's care, he commissioned the extensive restoration to exact factory specifications. Ron is the well-known and highly respected author of the 424-page book that offers the definitive history of LaSalle, "LaSalle Cadillac's Companion Car Book," of which this example is on the front cover.
Since being acquired by the current owner nearly ten years ago, this LaSalle has been maintained to a very high standard, both mechanically and cosmetically. The smooth Diana Cream paint shows particularly well, as does the chrome and deep maroon trimmed cabin. In 2019, this rare Series 350 Rumbleseat Coupe was shown at the Cadillac-LaSalle National meet where it caused quite the stir and became the talk of the show, as it went home with three separate awards: Best in Class, People's Choice, and the coveted Best of Show award. A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) approved Full Classic®, this LaSalle is eligible for their respected judged events and various CARavan classic car driving experiences.
This exceptionally attractive Art Deco streamlined LaSalle that has been comprehensively restored by a noted marque authority and judged to the highest standards will certainly be a welcome addition to future concours and shows, and a high-quality addition to one's collection as it is a seldom seen 1 of just 19 originally produced example from the brilliant mind of Harley Earl.
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