This is a one-family since new, 1940 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible
Coupe that was customized when new by its first owner into a
gorgeous special show car. If you look closely, it has the same
effect as a Packard Darrin Convertible Victoria or a Bohman &
Schwartz. In fact, this car was customized right in Pasadena,
California. This LaSalle's lines are absolutely curvaceous and
sexy, invoking the same visceral response as a Darrin. After seeing
this LaSalle, it is truly a shame that Cadillac didn't follow
Packard's lead to build such beautiful cars as this. This LaSalle
was purchased new by Donald Hendrix of Pasadena, CA. According to
accounts, he and his wife Phyllis were both shorter and they wanted
both the look of a Darrin and the practicality that the lowered
LaSalle provided. But as with a Darrin, this wasn't lowered per se
. The entire horizontal length of the car was sectioned by six
inches, thus the miing fake hood vents and the sexy increase rake
of the rear end of the car. In custom terms, this sectioning is
known as "pied". In addition, the entire body was dropped into the
chais rails, otherwise known as "channeled". And finally, he
removed the running boards, which anyone would agree adds to the
sexy curves. These three major customizations give it that European
flair and, frankly, make the driving experience much more
Bugatti-like. Mr. Hendrix was an optical engineer specializing on
cleaning lenses for major observatories throughout California. As
such, he was known for driving the LaSalle in a spirited manner
through the long and twisty roads leading up the mountains to the
observatories. After the war, when LaSalle was obsolete, Mr.
Hendrix was rightly concerned about the availability of parts for
the drivetrain. As such, he installed a 1951 Cadillac 331 CID V-8
and upgraded the transmiion to a three-speed manual transmiion with
overdrive. To say this LaSalle is a blast to drive is an
understatement. Please watch the video of the car in 1958 with both
Don and his son, Robb Hendrix being shown. Also in the video is the
last owner of the LaSalle, the newborn baby and Don's
granddaughter!! While Don paed the day after Christmas in 1961, the
LaSalle was then cared for by Robb. By about 1972 the LaSalle was
stored in Pasadena until exhumed by the granddaughter (from the
1958 video) in January 2001. In 2004, she sent the LaSalle in its
"as-found" condition to a LaSalle restorer in Little Rock,
Arkansas. Over the next three years, a complete restoration was
commenced leading to the gorgeous example presented today. It's
Burgundy livery is in excellent overall condition, with a few small
cracks and imperfections, but still very much show quality. The
wheels have wide white walled radials and the chrome and stainle
are in very good overall condition. The tan canvas convertible top
is complimented with maroon trim, giving it a terrific and sporty
look. We think it looks just as great with the top up as with it
down. The tan top boot also is in excellent condition. The maroon
leather seats and carpeting are all excellent and as-new. The
woodgrained dash is done beautifully as well and the gauges all
work well. Under the hood is the 1951 Cadillac 331 CID overhead
valve engine. The engine compartment is in show condition today.
She runs very well and drives brilliantly. The chais has been fully
cleaned and painted. The LaSalle comes complete with a full
documented history, including photos, receipts and more. For more
details and information, please call, text or email Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected]. The LaSalle is in our
showroom in Phoenix.
