Cadillac : Other Convertible

OVERVIEW:

This is a rare and nicely accessorized 1931 Cadillac LaSalle Model 345-A Convertible Coupe Cabriolet with rumble seat. GM introduced the LaSalle in 1927 as a car “built by Cadillac to Cadillac standards”. It was intended to fill the gap between Cadillac and Buick. and by 1931 was essentially a Cadillac with minor detailing and badging differences. A total of just over 10. 00 LaSalles were built in 1931. and their production ran until 1940.

This car carries CCCA Full Classic status. as do all LaSalles built between 1927 and 1933. Body is by Fisher. style #31688. body #782. It is an original car. engine/chassis #907724. which has had a full body off restoration. In the years since completion it has logged only 693 miles showing on the odometer. has participated in many local tours. and been shown on many occasions winning numerous awards including many Bests and People's Choice. It's last tour outing was the 2013 International Antique Auto Meet where it ran over 100 trouble free miles.

The present owner acquired the car in Sacramento. CA in the late 1970's and undertook the extensive restoration. which was completed approximately 35 years ago. The restoration process included new wood where required. metal cleaning to bare metal. along with professional metal. body and paint work. Complete restoration of all mechanical components was performed.
The restoration process was hands-on by the owner. a long time vintage auto enthusiast. and included contributions from craftsmen and trade professionals. as required. to achieve a professional job done to the standards of the day.
Although he has owned numerous collector cars over the years. this was always. and remains his most favored pride and joy. Included in this auction is the cars' exclusive 24' enclosed American Pace trailer.

Though now showing a bit of age and minor blemishes. the car remains very roadworthy and presentable. and draws attention where ever it goes.

DRIVETRAIN:

The engine is the correct original 353 ci. . 90 degree L-Head 8 cylinder. rated at 95 horsepower. The engine was completely rebuilt by Egge Machine. a renowned professional engine shop in California.
All other mechanical components on and around the engine. such as carb. oil pump. distributor. starter. generator. etc. . were all rebuilt.

The engine bay is very clean and tidy. apart from a bit of dust. and is nicely detailed with some brightwork. Fuel vacuum lines are braided stainless. and the heads sport chrome acorn nuts. Plug wire distribution tubes are chromed.

The 3 speed selective synchro transmission and differential were professionally overhauled.

CHASSIS:

This roadster has a 134” wheelbase. The solid frame and chassis component parts were sandblasted and painted.
New front end steering components were installed.
All other mechanical systems and components were restored. This includes the fuel. exhaust. suspension. and mechanical brake system which uses 15” drums.

All systems remain in good operable and roadworthy condition.
The chassis is basically very clean but shows the road dust and minor rash of its driven miles.
There are no notable fluid leaks or weeping.

It sports 19” painted wire spoke wheels with chrome plated retainer rings.
Tires are a matched set of wide white wall 6. 50x19 Custom Classics. with excellent tread remaining.
All hardware for the twin sidemounts is complete including chrome tread covers. spare mounted rear view mirrors. new leather strapping. and correct restored hubcaps.

BODY & PAINT:

The wood body structure is solid with no issues.
All sheet metal was cleaned and prepped prior to professional metal and body work. All panels and body work are very straight.

The paint retains decent shine but is starting to show its age in areas. Most notable are the paint chips along the driver's door sill. Other small chips can be found here and there.
There are paint blemishes found on the rear cowl. ahead of the rumble lid. and some minor paint checking and light sanding scratches can also be noted in varied areas like the rumble lid and golf club door. These flaws don't jump out at you but are evident if you look for them. Nowhere are there blisters or issues caused by rust or inferior body work. the issues are prep and paint related.

Running boards and edge trim are new. adorned with the LaSalle logo.

ELECTRICAL:

The car retains original 6 volt electricals. and has complete new wiring throughout. The car has not had turn signals installed. but the twin fender lamps and tail lights could lend themselves to that purpose.

An in-line electric fuel pump was added for reliability.
All gauges are very nice originals and in working condition. A retractable cigarette lighter is found at the right end of the dash.

This car is equipped with rare Cadillac Pilot-Ray Driving Lights located behind and above the front bumper. These lamps turn with the direction of the front wheels and are a wonderful addition for night time visibility.
All lamps are nicely restored. The headlamps have side jewels.
Twin chrome plated trumpet horns are mounted on either side of the rad shell. and are in working order.

Dual spot lights mounted on the aluminum A posts have shielded wiring.
All glass lenses on the car are in good condition.
Twin LaSa Lite scripted tail lights.

INTERIOR & TOP:

Seat frames. springs and covers are completely new. The interior seat covers and door panels were professionally upholstered in quality black leather. The rumble seat and compartment is also done in leather.

The passenger door panel houses an ash tray. and the right kick panel has a storage pocket.

The door garnish moldings are real wood. Much of the door jamb and latch post hardware is chrome plated.

There is 3rd door for golf club storage into the rumble seat area.
New carpeting both inside and in the rumble area.

There is a woodgrained panel on the painted dash. The steering wheel has a couple of minor cracks. but the center control plate. levers. and horn button are in nice condition.
The steering column. shifter. and hand brake lever are chrome plated.
The brake and clutch pedal pads have molded LaSalle logos.

New top bows were fabricated and bent for the top. which is covered in quality canvas. The fit is excellent. The top rails and hardware have been restored. It has the correct rear glass window in the top.

There is a matching canvas boot for the top when it is lowered. in excellent condition.
The header panel holds the chromed plated vacuum wiper motor with twin arms and blades.

The car sports optional wind wings with nicely etched glass.

BRIGHTWORK:

There is much chrome plating on the car. and it is done to show quality. The owner of this vehicle has been a longtime friend to another vintage car collector who owned and operated a reputable plating business for many years.
The car has the optional chrome radiator screen which also has a crank hole cover.
The hood side doors are chrome plated. as are the sidemount brackets.

The crowning appointment to this sporty roadster is the beautiful. optional Heron hood mascot.

The bumpers are nicely chromed and in excellent condition. as are the bumper irons and frame rail end caps.
There are 3 aluminum step plates for entering the rumble seat.

The car is fitted with a chrome plated rear mounted luggage rack and a very nice Potter's trunk with intact original decal. Includes numerous tools as shown.

The aluminum door sill plates display the LaSalle crest. and are in decent original condition with some minor pitting.

SUMMARY:

If open air motoring in a CCCA Full Classic roadster turns your crank. then this rare. low production sport model is ready for you to tour with and enjoy.

It has had the major work done. and gone far enough to break it in. and has won numerous awards when shown. With a few years under its belt. it is not a concourse trailer queen. but it is a car you can start to enjoy right away. and leaves you with the opportunity to detail and improve it over time.

The years of life are stacking up and the owner is no longer able to enjoy his LaSalle as he has in the past. This special car is now being made available for the first time to the classic collector car world at large.
The accompanying American Pace enclosed trailer is included with this auction. it is rated at 10. 00 lbs.

PAYMENT TERMS:

This vintage vehicle is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus. net' or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner. and a test drive and visual inspection by myself. Additional pics are available for viewing at www. carsgoneby. com/PhotoAlbumsPro/1931LaSalle . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing. with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).
Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from. or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable. and should be requested. discussed. and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.

IMPORTANT OTHER:

Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding. and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.
This vehicle is being sold with a clear Alberta vehicle registration (title) document and bill of sale.
The car is located in Calgary. Alberta. Canada. about 3 hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding. quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth. hassle free experience by arranging all inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide. the majority through Ebay transactions.
Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.
Thanks for looking!

Also published at eBay.ca

Want to buy this car?