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1940sLaSalleYear In Review
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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

Fisher Series 50 123″ Wheelbase
Style No. Doors Body Type Seating Price Weight
40-5027 2 Coupe 2 $1240 3700 lb
40-5067 2 Convertible Coupe 2 $1395 3805 lb
40-5011 2 Touring Sedan 5 $1280 3760 lb
40-5011-A 2 Touring Sedan (STT) 5 $—- —- lb
40-5029 4 Convertible Sedan 5 $1800 4000 lb
40-5019 4 Touring Sedan 5 $1320 3790 lb
40-5019-A 4 Touring Sedan (STT) 5 $—- —- lb
40-5019-F 4 Touring Sedan (Div) 5 $—- —- lb
Fisher Series 52 123″ Wheelbase
Style No. Doors Body Type Seating Price Weight
40-5227C 2 Coupe 2 $1380 3810 lb
40-5219 4 Touring Sedan 5 $1440 3900 lb
40-5229 4 Convertible Sedan 5 $1895 4110 lb
40-5267 2 Convertible Coupe 2 $1535 3915 lb

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

Feature Series 50 Series 52 Series 50
Commercial Chassis
Wheelbase 123 inches 123 inches 159 inches
Overall length 206.75 inches 210.5 inches 244-7/8 inches
Front tread 58 inches 58 inches 58 inches
Rear tread 59 inches 59 inches 59 inches
Tires 7.00×16 7.00×16 7.00×16

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