Vehicle Description
1928 LaSalle Series 303 Sport Phaeton
Many folks are not familiar with the LaSalle automobile other than
possibly from the introduction to the classic TV show, "All in the
Family", where Archie and Edith sing, "Gee our old LaSalle ran
great. Those were the days.". Since Cadillac had been named for the
famed French explorer, what could be more logical than to honor
another French explorer with the new car, and so the LaSalle was
born, from the early penning of designer Harley Earl.
For consignment a "Junior Caddy" in the form of a 1928 LaSalle
Series 303 Phaeton. This consignment is a designated CCCA full
classic, is a highly desirable Phaeton dual windscreen car finished
in two tone dark and light blue bodied with black curvaceous
fenders and running boards. Lest we forget the full wire spoked
wheels including dual side mounted spares which was a $250.00
option in 1928! Leather upholstery, and a long perfectly preserved
canvas convertible top. On the back, a folding trunk rack with a
trunk. Phone up the chauffeur we are going for a Sunday drive in
full on style.
Exterior
With its beautifully curving front fenders which gently dance down
to the running boards that attach to the nearly inset rear curving
fenders, we have a great trailblazing design. These are bathed in
black nearly perfectly applied paint, and do a great job of framing
the yellow painted 20-inch wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall
tires. There are 6 of these as on each side, tucked within the
front fenders, is a spare complete with wheels and tires. At the
belt line, skating the top edge of the doors and extending through
the front cowled hood is a dark blue painted livery surface. The
doors and rear tub have been painted a slightly lighter blue, and
it is mint as to condition and application. An all nickel plated
radiator surround is very highly polished and nicely preserved. On
top is a statue in chrome of the French explorer of the car's
namesake. Flanked by the front fenders is a large blue painted
large radiator grille complete with LaSalle script badging and has
2 big headlights on either side. Rear view mirrors are attached to
the spares on the fenders, and in the passenger's side is a massive
searchlight. Turn signals sit proudly on the back of the hood cowl
and the front windscreen can be folded down if need be. A
contrasting nearly perfect condition cream colored convertible top
functions properly and is in good condition, sporting a solid oak
wood frame. Bringing up the rear is a perfectly restored black
leather covered trunk with plenty of chrome trim, hinges and
latches in it.
Interior
Offering up two rows of overstuffed supple blue leather benches,
all passengers will ride in comfort and have ample room. These
seats are in excellent condition. For 2 extra passengers, the back
panel of the front seat hinges upward and reveals a central window
and jump seats magically appear unfolded from the floor creating a
third row. These are covered in the blue leather and are
comfortable as well. When folded they reveal beautiful wool carpet
in just a darker shade than the canvas top, and in pristine
condition. The door panels are also covered in the blue leather and
are excellently preserved. Upfront, a dark blue sprayed dash has
central punched chromed screen panel for the instrumentation and is
fronted by a fairly large bakelite black pedestrian steering wheel,
no glitz or glamour here! Instruments are black faced with fine
markings in white and classic pointers. The interior is in
excellent condition. Providing comfortable seating for 7 if
needed.
Drivetrain
Upon opening the cowls we reveal a masterpiece of late 1920's
engineering with the heavy 303ci L-head V8 engine. This is
beautifully covered in paint and polished parts and is topped by a
2-barrel Cadillac Johnson carburetor. A 3-speed selective sliding
gear manual transmission original to the car, just like the engine,
is attached to the rear of the engine. A 4.54 ratio rear axle works
to propel the car.
Undercarriage
Save for a few water spots and some light surface rust on the leaf
springs, all is well cared for underneath and structurally sound.
The Fisher Chassis is holding up well, and it is supporting the
Fleetwood Body with leaf springs suspension and mechanical drum
braking all fully restored.
Drive-Ability
With a slight cranking this L head came to life. It idled smoothly
and going up through the gears one can hear the sweet sound of an
old transmission that whirrs. The car functions perfectly and is an
easy driver with a very cushy dual cowl ride.
With early consultation with designer Harley Earl, Lawrence P.
Fisher, (of Fisher body fame), now GM President, made a decision to
have a fresh design that changed the course of an entire industry
with regard to styling and marketing. The result is this rare
survivor, an overall very fine CCCA Full Classic, a fine running
automobile with a very comfortable leather interior. Great color
combination, (using the two tones adds more class according to
Earl), and blue leather interior that is well appointed in the open
air environment.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
