Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to
the highest bidder August 17th - 19th, 2017 at Russo and Steele's
17th Annual Monterey, California Auction. Please contact us for
more information. This 1940 LaSalle Model 52 Convertible is a
unique classic custom car build that was constructed utilizing
modern up-to-date technology. It is very rare with only 452
convertible coupes produced in 1940. This was the final year for
LaSalle and it had a smooth-flowing design with its trademark thin
radiator flanked by a series of thin chrome slots, giving it a
futuristic look. In its final year sales of the LaSalle reached the
second highest level ever to with 24,133 produced. The custom
touches included removing the moldings and door handles and molding
the rear fenders to the body. In addition, the taillights and
antenna were frenched, trunk edges hidden, and the trunk handle
removed. The license plate and headlights were also frenched, hood
ornament removed, and 6" removed from front grille. Louvers were
added on the fenders, a "V" butt windshield was fabricated as was a
custom gas door. All the chrome was completely re-plated. A rebuilt
350cid/300hp Chevy engine was installed coupled to a 700R4
automatic transmission, with a new 9" Ford rear axle, 3.50
posi-traction rear, and rear super ride spring kit. In addition,
heat-coated block hugger headers were added along with Magnaflow
mufflers, aluminum radiator, and mounted on a completely rebuilt
'69 Camaro sub-frame. It was converted to disc brakes, with power
dual master cylinder, power steering, front sway bar, rebuilt
steering box, and a new dyno-tech driveshaft. It rides on custom
built chrome spoke wire wheels by Wheel Smith with powder coated
rims--16" front and 17" rear. For the interior, Ford F-150 pickup
power bucket seats were installed along with a modified F-150
console with pistol-grip shifter. Also added were remote power
windows, air conditioning and heat, Autometer gauges, and a custom
leather interior that matches the custom rims and engine paint. It
has a hidden radio, seat belts and electric windshield wipers,
Ididit custom steering wheel, along with many other custom touches
throughout this innovative car. This custom 1940 LaSalle
convertible is an excellent driver and is the winner of numerous
awards. The car passed the NSRA 23-point safety inspection and can
be shown or driven anywhere. It is a meticulous restoration with
attention to detail and exceptional quality of fabrication. The
custom black paint, body work and installation of all
interior/exterior and under body updates all make this a stunning
custom build that is ready for touring or winning additional awards
on the show field.