The 1937 LaSalle was a luxury automobile produced by the Cadillac division of General Motors. It was named after Ren-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer who founded the city of Detroit in 1701. The LaSalle was available in a variety of body styles, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, and limousine. It was powered by a 322 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 135 horsepower. The LaSalle was discontinued in 1940.
The 1937 LaSalle was a significant car for Cadillac. It was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, and it helped to establish Cadillac as a leader in the luxury car market. The LaSalle was also one of the first cars to be equipped with a unibody construction, which made it lighter and more fuel-efficient than traditional body-on-frame cars.
The 1937 LaSalle is a classic American car that is still admired by collectors today. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the Cadillac division of General Motors.
1937 LaSalle
The 1937 LaSalle was a significant car for Cadillac. It was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, and it helped to establish Cadillac as a leader in the luxury car market. Here are nine key aspects of the 1937 LaSalle:
- Engine: 322 cubic-inch V8
- Horsepower: 135
- Body styles: Sedan, coupe, convertible, limousine
- Construction: Unibody
- Price: $1,295-$2,395
- Production: 4,331 units
- Rarity: The 1937 LaSalle is a rare car today, with only a few hundred examples known to exist.
- Collectibility: The 1937 LaSalle is a highly collectible car, and values have been rising in recent years.
- Legacy: The 1937 LaSalle is an important car in Cadillac’s history, and it helped to shape the direction of the luxury car market.
The 1937 LaSalle was a well-built, stylish, and powerful car. It was a popular choice among celebrities and wealthy individuals, and it helped to establish Cadillac as a leading luxury car brand. Today, the 1937 LaSalle is a highly collectible car, and it is a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts.
Engine
The 322 cubic-inch V8 engine was a significant upgrade over the previous LaSalle engine, which was a 303 cubic-inch V8. The new engine produced 135 horsepower, which was a significant increase over the previous engine’s 125 horsepower. This increase in power gave the 1937 LaSalle better acceleration and top speed.
The 322 cubic-inch V8 engine was also more efficient than the previous engine. It used less fuel and produced fewer emissions. This made the 1937 LaSalle more economical to operate.
The 322 cubic-inch V8 engine was a major factor in the success of the 1937 LaSalle. It gave the car better performance and fuel economy, which made it more appealing to buyers.
Horsepower
The 1937 LaSalle was powered by a 322 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 135 horsepower. This was a significant increase over the previous LaSalle engine, which produced 125 horsepower. The increase in horsepower gave the 1937 LaSalle better acceleration and top speed.
- Performance: The 135 horsepower engine gave the 1937 LaSalle better acceleration and top speed. This made it a more fun and exciting car to drive.
- Towing and Hauling: The 135 horsepower engine also gave the 1937 LaSalle better towing and hauling capacity. This made it a more versatile car that could be used for a variety of purposes.
- Fuel Economy: Despite its increased horsepower, the 1937 LaSalle was still relatively fuel-efficient. This was due in part to its efficient V8 engine.
- Reliability: The 135 horsepower engine in the 1937 LaSalle was known for its reliability. This made it a good choice for people who wanted a car that they could count on.
The 135 horsepower engine was a major factor in the success of the 1937 LaSalle. It gave the car better performance, towing and hauling capacity, fuel economy, and reliability. This made it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a powerful and versatile car.
Body styles
The 1937 LaSalle was available in a variety of body styles, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, and limousine. This gave buyers a wide range of choices to suit their needs and preferences.
- Sedan: The sedan was the most popular body style for the 1937 LaSalle. It was a closed car with four doors and a trunk. The sedan was a good choice for families and people who wanted a practical and comfortable car.
- Coupe: The coupe was a two-door car with a sloping roofline. It was a more stylish choice than the sedan, and it was popular with young people and couples.
- Convertible: The convertible was a two-door car with a folding roof. It was the most expensive body style for the 1937 LaSalle, but it was also the most glamorous. The convertible was a popular choice for celebrities and people who wanted to make a statement.
- Limousine: The limousine was a four-door car with a long wheelbase and a partition between the driver and the passengers. It was the most luxurious body style for the 1937 LaSalle, and it was popular with wealthy individuals and businesses.
The different body styles of the 1937 LaSalle gave buyers a wide range of choices to suit their needs and preferences. Whether they wanted a practical sedan, a stylish coupe, a glamorous convertible, or a luxurious limousine, the 1937 LaSalle had something to offer everyone.
Construction
The 1937 LaSalle was one of the first cars to be built with a unibody construction. This was a significant departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction, which was used on most cars at the time. Unibody construction has several advantages over body-on-frame construction, including:
- Weight savings: Unibody construction is lighter than body-on-frame construction, which can improve fuel economy and performance.
- Strength: Unibody construction is stronger than body-on-frame construction, which can improve safety and durability.
- Cost: Unibody construction is less expensive to manufacture than body-on-frame construction.
- Styling: Unibody construction allows for more freedom in styling, which can result in more attractive cars.
The 1937 LaSalle was a pioneer in the use of unibody construction. This construction method gave the LaSalle several advantages over its competitors, including better fuel economy, performance, safety, durability, cost, and styling. Unibody construction is now used on most cars, and it is a testament to the innovative spirit of the 1937 LaSalle.
Price
The 1937 LaSalle was priced between $1,295 and $2,395. This was a relatively high price for a car at the time, but it was still less expensive than many other luxury cars. The LaSalle’s price was justified by its high quality, performance, and features.
- Value for money: The 1937 LaSalle was a well-built car with a powerful engine and a luxurious interior. It was worth the price for buyers who wanted a car that was reliable, fun to drive, and comfortable.
- Status symbol: The 1937 LaSalle was a status symbol. It was a car that was driven by celebrities, wealthy individuals, and business leaders. Owning a LaSalle was a way to show off your success and good taste.
- Investment: The 1937 LaSalle is a classic car that has appreciated in value over the years. Today, a well-maintained 1937 LaSalle can be worth over $100,000.
The price of the 1937 LaSalle was a reflection of its quality, performance, and status. It was a car that was worth the money for buyers who wanted the best.
Production
The 1937 LaSalle was a limited-production car, with only 4,331 units produced. This low production number is due to several factors, including the high price of the car, the economic climate of the time, and the introduction of the Cadillac Sixty Special.
The high price of the 1937 LaSalle was a major factor in its low production numbers. The car was priced between $1,295 and $2,395, which was a significant amount of money at the time. This price tag put the LaSalle out of reach for many potential buyers.
The economic climate of the time also played a role in the low production numbers of the 1937 LaSalle. The Great Depression was still having a major impact on the economy in 1937, and many people were struggling to make ends meet. This made it difficult for people to justify spending a large amount of money on a luxury car.
The introduction of the Cadillac Sixty Special in 1938 further reduced demand for the 1937 LaSalle. The Cadillac Sixty Special was a less expensive car than the LaSalle, and it offered similar performance and features. This made the Cadillac Sixty Special a more attractive option for buyers who were looking for a luxury car.
Despite its low production numbers, the 1937 LaSalle is a significant car in Cadillac’s history. It was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, and it helped to establish Cadillac as a leader in the luxury car market.
Rarity
The rarity of the 1937 LaSalle is a significant aspect of its history and desirability among collectors. Here are several facets that contribute to the rarity of the 1937 LaSalle:
- Low production numbers: Only 4,331 units of the 1937 LaSalle were produced, making it a relatively rare car from the outset.
- Survival rate: Many 1937 LaSalles were lost or scrapped over the years, due to factors such as accidents, neglect, and the passage of time. This has further reduced the number of surviving examples.
- Collector interest: The 1937 LaSalle is a highly sought-after collector car, which has contributed to its rarity. Collectors have purchased and preserved many surviving examples, making them less available on the open market.
- Unique features: The 1937 LaSalle was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, and it also featured a number of other unique features, such as its unibody construction. These unique features make the 1937 LaSalle even more desirable to collectors.
The rarity of the 1937 LaSalle makes it a special and valuable car. It is a testament to the car’s quality, performance, and style that so many examples have survived and are still prized by collectors today.
Collectibility
The collectibility of the 1937 LaSalle is a major factor in its enduring popularity and rising value. Several key factors contribute to the car’s collectible status:
- Rarity: As mentioned earlier, only 4,331 units of the 1937 LaSalle were produced, making it a relatively rare car. This scarcity makes it more desirable to collectors.
- Historical significance: The 1937 LaSalle was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, and it also featured a number of other unique features, such as its unibody construction. This historical significance makes the car more valuable to collectors.
- Style and design: The 1937 LaSalle is a beautiful car with a timeless design. Its sleek lines and elegant curves make it a popular choice for collectors who appreciate classic styling.
- Investment potential: The 1937 LaSalle is a sound investment for collectors. Values have been rising steadily in recent years, and the car is expected to continue to appreciate in value in the future.
The collectibility of the 1937 LaSalle makes it a desirable car for collectors and investors alike. Its rarity, historical significance, style, and investment potential all contribute to its enduring popularity.
The rising value of the 1937 LaSalle is a testament to its quality, performance, and style. The car is a true classic that is sure to continue to be prized by collectors for many years to come.
Legacy
The 1937 LaSalle played a pivotal role in shaping Cadillac’s legacy and the broader luxury car market. Here are some key facets that highlight its significance:
- Technological Innovation: The 1937 LaSalle was the first Cadillac to be offered with a V8 engine, a significant advancement that set the stage for Cadillac’s future performance-oriented models. Its unibody construction was also groundbreaking, contributing to improved safety and efficiency.
- Design and Styling: The LaSalle’s sleek and elegant design exemplified Cadillac’s commitment to aesthetics and luxury. Its influence can be seen in subsequent Cadillac models, which continued to prioritize distinctive and visually appealing designs.
- Market Positioning: The LaSalle was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship Cadillac models, making luxury and prestige more accessible to a wider range of consumers. This strategic move expanded Cadillac’s market reach and contributed to its long-term success.
- Engineering Excellence: The LaSalle showcased Cadillac’s engineering prowess and commitment to quality. Its robust construction, reliable performance, and innovative features set a high standard for luxury cars and influenced the development of Cadillac’s future models.
The 1937 LaSalle’s legacy extends beyond its own production run. It paved the way for Cadillac’s continued dominance in the luxury car segment, inspiring generations of vehicles that combined performance, style, and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1937 LaSalle
This section addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding the 1937 LaSalle, providing clear and informative answers to enhance understanding of this iconic automobile.
Question 1: What factors contributed to the low production numbers of the 1937 LaSalle?
The 1937 LaSalle was produced in limited numbers due to several factors. Its relatively high price point, coupled with the economic climate at the time, restricted its accessibility to a broader market. Additionally, the introduction of the Cadillac Sixty Special in the subsequent year further diverted potential buyers.
Question 2: Why is the 1937 LaSalle considered a significant car in Cadillac’s history?
The 1937 LaSalle played a pivotal role in Cadillac’s legacy as it marked the introduction of the V8 engine to the brand’s lineup. This technological advancement laid the groundwork for Cadillac’s future performance-oriented models. Moreover, its unibody construction showcased the company’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence.
Question 3: What sets the 1937 LaSalle apart from other luxury cars of its era?
The 1937 LaSalle distinguished itself through its exceptional combination of style, performance, and engineering. Its sleek and elegant design exuded luxury, while the V8 engine provided impressive power and acceleration. Furthermore, the unibody construction contributed to its lightweight and efficient performance, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
Question 4: Is the 1937 LaSalle a collectible car today?
Yes, the 1937 LaSalle is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance. Its low production numbers, coupled with its unique features and classic design, have made it a prized possession among car enthusiasts. Values have steadily appreciated over the years, making it a sound investment for collectors.
Question 5: What are some of the key features that make the 1937 LaSalle stand out?
The 1937 LaSalle boasts an array of notable features, including its powerful 322 cubic-inch V8 engine, sleek and aerodynamic design, and innovative unibody construction. Its luxurious interior, with ample space and premium materials, further enhances its appeal as a classic automobile.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the 1937 LaSalle?
Numerous resources are available to delve deeper into the history and significance of the 1937 LaSalle. Cadillac historical archives, automotive museums, and specialized websites dedicated to classic cars provide a wealth of information for enthusiasts to explore.
In conclusion, the 1937 LaSalle remains an iconic automobile that left a lasting impact on Cadillac’s legacy and the broader automotive landscape. Its combination of style, performance, and innovation continues to captivate car enthusiasts, making it a highly sought-after collectible today.
Transition to the next article section: Explore the evolution of Cadillac’s design philosophy through the decades, tracing the lineage of iconic models that shaped the brand’s identity.
Tips Regarding the 1937 LaSalle
The 1937 LaSalle, a remarkable automobile from Cadillac’s illustrious history, offers valuable lessons and insights that can inform and guide contemporary automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Tip 1: Embrace Innovation and Engineering Excellence
The 1937 LaSalle’s groundbreaking V8 engine and unibody construction exemplify the transformative power of innovation in the automotive industry. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and engineering advancements, car manufacturers can push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, setting new standards for the future.
Tip 2: Prioritize Style and Aesthetics
The LaSalle’s sleek and elegant design showcases the importance of aesthetics in automotive design. By harmonizing form and function, manufacturers can create vehicles that are not only visually appealing but also enhance the driving experience.
Tip 3: Understand Market Positioning
The LaSalle’s strategic positioning as a more accessible alternative to Cadillac’s flagship models demonstrates the significance of understanding market dynamics. By carefully tailoring vehicles to specific consumer segments, manufacturers can expand their reach and cater to a wider range of needs.
Tip 4: Value Rarity and Historical Significance
The low production numbers and historical importance of the 1937 LaSalle highlight the value of rarity and heritage in the collector car market. Preserving and appreciating classic automobiles not only connects us to the past but also enriches our understanding of automotive evolution.
Tip 5: Invest in Quality and Craftsmanship
The 1937 LaSalle’s enduring legacy is a testament to the lasting value of quality construction and craftsmanship. By prioritizing durability, reliability, and attention to detail, manufacturers can create vehicles that withstand the test of time and maintain their desirability.
In conclusion, the 1937 LaSalle serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact that innovation, style, market positioning, historical significance, and quality can have on the automotive landscape. By drawing inspiration from this iconic car, contemporary manufacturers and enthusiasts can continue to push the boundaries of automotive excellence.
Conclusion
The 1937 LaSalle stands as a shining example of innovation, style, and engineering excellence that continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its groundbreaking V8 engine, unibody construction, and elegant design set new standards for the automotive industry.
As we reflect on the legacy of the 1937 LaSalle, we are reminded of the transformative power of pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies. The car’s historical significance and enduring value serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic automobiles and the importance of preserving our automotive heritage.