LaSalle (1940)

LaSalle Models & History (1940)

The Series 40-50 and Series 40-52 replaced Series 39-50

• It hardly seems reasonable that LaSalle would introduce a new model to their lineup on the last year of their run.
• The Series 52 “Torpedo” or “Projectile” bodies were also called “Specials”
• At the beginning of 1940, only the coupe and sedan were introduced
• Mid-year a convertible coupe and convertible sedan were added
• The Series 52 had a 45 degree sloping windshield, curved rear window, no belt-line molding, and a rounder, smoother line down rear of body and trunk
• A vacuum-powered top was used on the Series 52 convertible coupe
• Both the Series 52 and 50 featured
  • wider spacing of center and side grille bars
  • triple vents on hood side panels
  • fenders flowing without a valley into the hood
  • sealed beam headlights built into the fenders
  • parking lights on top of the headlights
• As well, the wheelbase was increased by three inches

I.D. DATA

• Serial numbers were on the left frame side bar, opposite the steering gear
• Engine numbers were the same as the serial number and were located on the crankcase, just behind the left cylinder block, parallel to the dash.
• Series 50 starting: 2320001; ending 2330382
• Series 52 starting: 4320001; ending 4333751

STYLE

ENGINE

• Type: Inline, L-head, 8-cylinders
• Block: Cast iron (blocks cast enbloc with crankcase)
• Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8 x 4.5 inches
• Displacement: 322 cu. in.
• Compression ratio: 6.25:1
• Brake horsepower: 130 @ 3400 rpm
• Taxable Horsepower: 36.45
• Main bearings: three
• Valve lifters: Hydraulic
• Carburetor: Carter WDO460s

CHASSIS

DRIVETRAIN

• Transmission: Selective synchromesh (manual)
• Speeds: 3 forward, 1 reverse
• Left-hand drive, gearshift on column (rhd opt)
• Handbrake at left, under panel
• Single plate dry disc clutch
• Shaft drive, Hotchkiss
• Semi-floating rear axle, Hypoid gearing.
• Overall ratio: 3.92:1
• Hydraulic brakes on four wheels
• Slotted disc wheels
• Wheel size: 16″

OPTIONS

• Automatic battery filler: $7.50
• Flexible steering wheel: $15.00
• Foglights: $14.50/pair
• Grille guard
• Heater: $26.50-52.50
• Radio: $69.50
• Seat cover(s): $8.25/seat
• Spotlight: $18.50
• Trim rings: $1.50 each
• Wheel discs: $4.00 each
• Windshield washer: $6.50

HISTORICAL NOTES

1940 LaSalle Notes

• Introduced October 1939
• Series 50 model year sales and production: 10,382
• Series 52 model year sales and production: 13,751
• Last year for LaSalle
• Nicholas Dreystadt was general manager
• Ernest W. Seaholm was chief engineer
• William Mitchell was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
• Don E. Ahrens was general sales manager

1940 Automotive Notes

• Industry production totals 3,692,328 cars and 777,026 trucks
• William S. Knudsen was president of GM until September when there was a lapse until January
• Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. was chairman of the board at GM
• Oldsmobile offers the first true automatic transmission: Hydra-Matic Drive
• Lincoln Continental is introduced
• Last year for the Lincoln K-series
• Last year for Nash LaFayette
• Last year for Buick Century convertible sedan
• Last year for Cadillac Series 72
• Running boards are enclosed on almost all models. Dodge charges $10 extra for them
• Sealed beam headlights ar the industry standard
• Chrysler develops Safety-Rim wheels that keep the tire on even after a blowout
• Heaters and defrosters common on cars
• Willys shows prototype of the Jeep
• Walter P. Chrysler (1875-1940) dies
• Hudson introduces front coil springs
• Studebaker offers a Coupe-Delivery (car body front with a truck bed in back, echoed in the Ford Ranchero and Chev ElCamino)
• Top model year production for 1940
  

  1. Chevrolet	764,616	… increased 187,000
  2. Ford	541,896	… increased 55,000
  3. Plymouth	423,155	… increased 6,000
  4. Buick	278,784	… increased 70,000
  5. Pontiac	217,001	… increased 73,000
  6. Dodge	195,505	… increased 116,000
  7. Oldsmobile	185,154	… increased 58,000
  8. Studebaker	107,185	… increased 21,000
  9. Packard	98,020	… decreased 51,000
  10. Chrysler	92,419	… increased 20,000
  11. Hudson	87,915	… increased 6,000
  12. Mercury	81,128	… increase 6,000
  13. DeSoto	65,467	… increased 11,000
  14. Nash	62,131	… decreased 700
  15. LaSalle	24,130	… increased 3,000
  16. Lincoln	21,765	… increased 600
  17. Willys	21,418	… increased 3,000
  18. Cadillac	13,043	… decreased 500
  19. Graham	2,000	… decreased 3,000
  20. Crosley	422	… decreased 1,600
  21. American Bantam	800	… decreased 400

1940 LaSalle Photo Gallery

Keyword: LaSalle (1940)