Featured Car on the Texas Tour- 1940 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible
By Wayne Bartlett
A 1940 LaSalle Series 50 convertible coupe is this month’s feature car, owned by the late Ann Bartlett. Purchased in Waco, in 1983, where it sat in a closed restaurant parking lot for 18 months with a for sale sign on it with no takers, at least not the from the 150,000 or so people passing by it every day on I-35 between Austin and Dallas. What was odd was that this car was priced at $10,000 and next to it was a 1937 Cadillac Series 60 business coupe with 2 side mounts, 2 mirrors, 2 spotlights, 2 driving lights, deluxe wheel covers, and a trunk rack in much better shape that then LaSalle for $6,500. Again, no takers, but even in 1983 dollars, it would seem some out of state person driving by would have jumped all over them.
This LaSalle was sold new in Chicago, and went to California at some time, at least the former owner had the title from there, and we believe it many years out of the rust belt as there was very minor rust damage. The car had received a lacquer repaint some time in the 1960s, and in 1985 we did a cosmetic refurbishment of the engine, transmission, underside and minor touch up of the outside. With some 1000 grit sandpaper work and rubbing compound, in 1985, it looked pretty good. Of course, now a total teardown, paint removal and repaint should be done. I bet this new super paint that cost a fortune will not last that long!
The car has the 346 cubic inch Cadillac “tank” engine, an enhanced version of the production models, with 150 horsepower versus the standard 130. These engines were available as surplus after the Second World War, and many found their way as replacements into cars. With the engine tear down to check the internal workings of this car, we saw Cosmolene was still coating everything, so we do not believe the car was run much after the engine was exchanged.
With the ponies under the hood, the LaSalle can really go, but it seems like 55 to 65 is the best cruising range. The car has been to many functions statewide over the years, with various Bartlett generations driving. Since 1985 the speedometer has added many more miles to its total, now at 134, 000. Not bad for an old tank. We all sure have enjoyed it.