1940 Cadillac LaSalle Convertibles



of 100

Full size photos

Full size photos

1940 Cadillac La Salle Convertibles 31460 Miles Burgundy Custom Convertible Coup

Stock #:

41940

Exterior Color:

Burgundy

Interior Color:

Maroon Leather

Body Type:

Custom Convertible Coupe

Mileage:

31,460

This is a one-family since new, 1940 La Salle 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 La Salle's lines are absolutely curvaceous and sexy, invoking the same visceral response as a Darrin. After seeing this La Salle, it is truly a shame that Cadillac didn't follow Packard's lead to build such beautiful cars as this. This La Salle 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 La Salle 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 missing 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 chassis 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 La Salle in a spirited manner through the long and twisty roads leading up the mountains to the observatories. After the war, when La Salle 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 transmission to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. To say this La Salle 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 La Salle, the newborn baby and Don's granddaughter!! While Don passed the day after Christmas in 1961, the La Salle was then cared for by Robb. By about 1972 the La Salle was stored in Pasadena until exhumed by the granddaughter (from the 1958 video) in January 2001. In 2004, she sent the La Salle in its "as-found" condition to a La Salle 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 stainless 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 chassis has been fully cleaned and painted. The La Salle 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. or . The La Salle is in our showroom in Phoenix.

Vehicle Description

This is a one-family since new, 1940 La Salle 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 La Salle's lines are absolutely curvaceous and sexy, invoking the same visceral response as a Darrin. After seeing this La Salle, it is truly a shame that Cadillac didn't follow Packard's lead to build such beautiful cars as this. This La Salle 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 La Salle 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 missing 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 chassis 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 La Salle in a spirited manner through the long and twisty roads leading up the mountains to the observatories. After the war, when La Salle 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 transmission to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. To say this La Salle 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 La Salle, the newborn baby and Don's granddaughter!! While Don passed the day after Christmas in 1961, the La Salle was then cared for by Robb. By about 1972 the La Salle was stored in Pasadena until exhumed by the granddaughter (from the 1958 video) in January 2001. In 2004, she sent the La Salle in its "as-found" condition to a La Salle 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 stainless 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 chassis has been fully cleaned and painted. The La Salle 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. or . The La Salle is in our showroom in Phoenix.

Vehicle Warranty

AS IS - No Warranty:

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

Limited Warranty:

Bid with confidence this vehicle is being offered with a Limited Warranty. Please contact us via e-mail to obtain specific information about this warranty.

Remaining Factory Warranty:

Have the utmost confidence when bidding on this vehicle! This vehicle is being offered with the remainder of its full factory warranty. Please inquire for the specifics on this warranty.

Full Factory Warranty:

Have the utmost confidence when bidding on this vehicle! This vehicle is being offered with the Full Factory Warranty. Please inquire for the specifics on this warranty.

About Classic Promenade

We Buy, Sell, Consign and Store collector cars for our clients. Our clients have ranged from major collections to helping a new enthusiast enter the hobby. Classic Promenade is a dba for Classic Consultants, LLC. Prior to being in Arizona we were in California, serving the classic car hobby since 2002. We are dedicated professionals with a passion for antique, classic and vintage motorcars. Our owners have distinguished careers in business and have been life long collectors of fine motorcars. We are Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen in the Collector Car Hobby.

Contact us for more details

Terms and Conditions

Payment Options

We accept the following payment methods:

Vehicle Pickup & Shipping

All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility.

Finance, Warranty, Shipping question?

Call the dealer at

General Terms

Classic Promenade is pleased to assist with worldwide shipping and transportation (costs not included). We normally transact payments with bank to bank wire transfers, but other arrangements can be made. We will also accept certain trades of collector vehicles.

All sales are subject to local sales at any time. We pride ourselves on accurate descriptions, but collector cars are all subject to "issues" and we encourage personal inspection.

Fees and Taxes

Taxes and Fees: Out of state buyers are not charged tax, title, or license but are responsible for the documentation fee. The customer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their home state. You will receive 30-day in-transit tags.

Want to buy this car?