1931 LaSalle 345A Seven-Passenger Touring
A remarkable example of early 1930s automotive luxury emerged in the form of the 1931 LaSalle 345A Seven-Passenger Touring. This vehicle represented a high point in General Motors’ “junior marque” lineup, offering prestigious Fleetwood coachwork typically reserved for top-tier Cadillac models.
The LaSalle 345A’s exterior design showcased the elegance of the era. Its Fleetwood-built body, a rarity among LaSalle models, featured flowing lines and graceful proportions.
This particular example’s striking appearance was enhanced by its distinctive color scheme – dark purple bodywork accented with soft blush rose striping, complemented by a matching chassis and wheels with stainless-steel spokes.
This bold color combination set the LaSalle apart from its contemporaries and emphasized its status as a luxury automobile.
Powering this elegant machine was a 353 cubic inch L-head V-8 engine, producing 95 horsepower. This powerplant was mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain allowed the LaSalle to maintain comfortable cruising speeds on the improving road networks of the early 1930s.
The LaSalle’s suspension system employed solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptical leaf springs, a common configuration for the time that provided a balance of comfort and handling. Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes offered stopping power, an essential feature for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Inside the spacious cabin, the LaSalle 345A offered seating for seven passengers, a configuration that made it well-suited for both personal use and chauffeur-driven transportation.
The interior was trimmed in gray and maroon leather, providing a luxurious environment for all occupants. A Haartz cloth top allowed for open-air motoring when desired.
The LaSalle 345A came equipped with an array of accessories that further elevated its luxury status. These included Pilot Ray driving lights, a rear-mounted luggage rack, dual side-mounted spares with metal covers and mirrors, a Goddess radiator mascot, wind wings, and whitewall tires.
Such features were hallmarks of premium automobiles of the period and underscored the LaSalle’s position in the market.
In the context of its era, the 1931 LaSalle 345A Seven-Passenger Touring competed with other luxury marques such as Packard and Lincoln. However, its Fleetwood bodywork and association with Cadillac gave it a unique position in the market, offering prestige at a relatively more accessible price point than full-fledged Cadillac models.
Today, the 1931 LaSalle 345A Seven-Passenger Touring is a rare find, with only about 59 of the 10,095 LaSalles produced in 1931 being of the touring car body and only 12 of them having the Fleedwood design.
Its scarcity, combined with its Fleetwood coachwork and striking design, makes it a highly desirable collector’s item. The Classic Car Club of America recognizes this model as a Full Classic, further cementing its status in the pantheon of significant automobiles.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
