1937 LaSalle question

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Okay so I've put my dreams of owning a 61 Eldorado on hold for now until I purchase my house.  I am however interested in possibly purchasing a 1937 LaSalle coupe from an individual and possibly (I say that very lightly), possibly parting ways with my 57 to make room.  For those of you who own a 37 LaSalle what do you like/dislike about that year?  I know they're very simple cars compared to my 50s Cadillacs however the styling and the differences between my current collection have me thinking it might be a good idea.  I'd love to hear your thoughts so please chime in.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

On second thought I'm also curious to hear from owners of the 1935 Coupes and Sedans as well.  There is a nice looking blue one for sale at Gateway however I'm not sure that their even close to the ballpark in terms of what the car is worth...

[suchan]

'37 LaSalles have tons of '30's style, good power, that great flathead V8 sound, handsome and well-appointed interior, smoooth transmission with floor shift, reasonably high rear end ratio (3.92), great grill, technically advanced for 1937, open driveshaft (unlike  the Buicks I also like). Minuses: Well, it doesn't drive like '50's Caddy if that's an issue. I don't find it to be one. I LIKE watching gauges and being actively involved in the driving process. That's why I sold my '71 Eldo and bought my LaSalle. The other minus is a personal issue. I'm 6'4", and the driver's seat doesn't go back far enough for real comfort, but the shop manual shows you how to move the seat tracks.

[suchan]

I almost forgot-the hood is quite high. Even at my height, you scarcely see the fenders, not that it's a necessity. The guy I bought it from was maybe 5'7", and he had had to sit on a phone book or something to see over the hood. And the way-cool streamline-moderne hood ornament.

[pmhowe]

I had a 1938 LaSalle five passenger sedan. It was a great car to drive: Very reliable, comfortable, and smooth running. It had adequate room for me, at 6' 2". It drew attention wherever it went, even back in 1960 -1964, when I used it as a daily driver. It was a totally different driving experience from today's cars - no power steering, so one puts the car in motion before turning the steering wheel. The lights are not up to today's standards. I drove it at night anyway, and was just careful. It handled well in snow, with bias tires and careful driving. My guess is, that if you get a good one, you will love it.

Phil

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Unless you want to take "forever" to find parts, I'd stay away from the 1935s. They were produced in way smaller numbers and still had composite bodies, so there is rotted wood to possibly replace. I'd stick with 1937 as your low # of model years. They have a "modern" power plant that can usually keep up with today's traffic, at least on secondary state #'d routes. Good luck in your search. But even with the '37s, make very sure that it's complete so you don't spend and inordinate amount of time searching for trim parts.

If you ever look at a 1939, make sure that ALL of the dash is there. The knobs are a bear to find.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Thank you everyone.

[DaveZ]

I love mine. Wouldn't give it up. I would agree with previous comments as to make sure it is all there. Some of the parts are obtainable, but the engine is a one year only. The crankshaft and flywheel is different from 38 and up. Heads are flat with no raised ridge. See what history the PO has on the car as far as servicing.
Best wishes with it!

[Cadillac Jack 82]

There is a 37 that's catching my eye but he said its sat for a while.  The car appears to be fully restored however it was painted in a color other than what it was originally.

[suchan]

I don't see that as disqualifying. My car was originally green,. a color I don't care for, but was repainted maroon, one of my favorites, 40 years ago. If it's a high-dollar car, maybe non-original color is an issue, but if you're looking for a driver, and aren't buying it to flip, the fact that it hasn't been driven for some time would be more of a concern.

There is a 37 that's catching my eye but he said its sat for a while.  The car appears to be fully restored however it was painted in a color other than what it was originally.

[carlhungness]

       I was given a '37 LaSalle Opera coupe to drive through college and later was gifted the car upon graduation. I liked it so well I turned down a brand new Corvette as a graduation present in lieu of the LaSalle.
     I drove the car 110,000 miles, started to restore it, stored the doghouse assembly in a man's barn in Indianapolis, he refused to give it back to me. I scrounged up about 98% of another front end. I gave the car away to a friend about 20 years ago and just got it back. I am now restoring it to very mostly original condition.
     I am still seeking a few precious hood trim parts but overall I'm happy I have the car back.
     I recall it had vapor lock issues  but other than that it was reliable. My suggestion is to find as complete a car as you can to save time trying to run down the difficult to find trim pieces. Right now in fact I am in the midst of producing some of the front fender Sergeant Stripes. Finding trim for the hood is challenging.
    Rubber for the car is expensive, running boards will cost you $2,500 plus postage to Canada.
    Overall, I would highly recommend the '37 for its classic lines and fairly modern amenities. I'm going to upgrade with power disc front brakes and now working on gathering the gubbins to install an overdrive on the third member. I may sock an air-conditioner in the trunk as I live in Madison, IN and the summer heat is brutal.
   Importantly, there are many knowledgeable owners in the Cadillac-LaSalle club so help is just a keyboard away.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

This is all great advice.  Thank you everyone.  I'm talking to the seller as we speak and so far so good.  This would be a car for my personal collection and not to flip however the amount being asked is quite high.  I'm hoping that if everything works out we can come to an arrangement.  I sold a 40 Chevy business coupe to purchase my 55 and I sort of miss having a prewar car.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Well I'm back on the search for another 1937.  I find it frustrating when some owners think they have a #1 car and that it should go for higher prices than what the cars have been selling for.  Even when you try to reason with them they won't budge.  If you or a friend of yours has either a coupe or sedan in excellent condition please email me.  Thanks.

[carlhungness]

There's one on eBay that been hot-rodded to the max but it looks pretty good. A crafty hand could make the exterior look bone stock.
I think you want a finished car, and the last really nice one I saw went for $30,000-$35,000 and was just beautiful, maroon as I recall.
  I think there's a $6,500 coupe on this forum that's been sitting in the desert for decades and $30,000 ought to bring it to show condition.
  I have a new friend who has a very nice very original one for $18,000 that would need $10,000-$15,000 put in it to bring it up to show quality. He's picky about who he'd sell to as he has a literal ton of really valuable stuff. He found out about my situation a few months back when I was looking for one. But as luck would have it, I got my old original back. PM me if you want his contact info.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I'm willing to pay for the right car its just they either 1. Need too much work work 2. The seller is asking way too much for what they have.  I'm really looking for a coupe but if the right sedan or convertible popped up I'd be okay with that too.  The car has to be 100% OEM or damn near close to it.  Custom cars don't interest me.

[carlhungness]

     As stated previously I met a man in Indiana who has a '37 Coupe that is in excellent original condition and he will sell it for $18,000. If you want his contact info PM me.
    You are going to spend 5K for an interior and probably double that for paint plus another few thousand to rebuild an already good engine, so you're going to wind up with $35,000 plus in a first class vehicle. It'll be worth about $35,000 or a little less when you're done.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I've sent you a PM.  I'm not interested in a project car however I'm curious to see what this seller has.  Ultimately I'd like to find a very clean 35-38 LaSalle or 36-42 Cadillac.  Since I already have a 55 and 57 it makes sense in my head to stick with a prewar until I can find my 61 Eldorado.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Well if all goes well I might...just might have myself the 1937 LaSalle Opera Coupe that I've been looking for.  I'm just waiting on some follow up information and pictures but I'm hoping that I can place my 3rd classic Cadillac in my garage before the first of the year.  Stay tuned...

[carlhungness]

Good luck on your purchase. Getting my old '37 Coupe back has been a joyous circumstance and I'm having a great time restoring it. She's a lot beefier than I remember and all the visitors to my shop are amazed at the thickness of the metal.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Carl do you have any pictures you can share of yours?