LaSalle Logo

In 1927, General Motors (GM) introduced LaSalle, envisioned as a subsidiary brand to Cadillac. The aim was to bridge the price disparity between high-end Cadillac vehicles and the more affordable options in GM’s lineup. Drawing inspiration from the annals of history, LaSalle was christened after the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, echoing how Cadillac received its name from Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac.

Upon its debut, the brand introduced the 1927 LaSalle Series 303 and 304 models. In its nascent stage, these cars resemble Cadillac vehicles, sharing engine components and several body elements. As the 1930s unfolded, LaSalle carved its niche, presenting itself as a compact and economical version of Cadillac. A notable contribution from this period was the 1935 LaSalle 50 Series.

With a commitment to innovation, LaSalle was among the pioneers to incorporate hydraulic brakes and integrate the elegant Art Deco design into their cars. The brand witnessed its zenith in 1929, with a production count nearing 24,000 vehicles. However, the following decade brought challenges. The debilitating impact of the Great Depression in the late 1930s dampened the allure of luxury vehicles, causing a decline in LaSalle’s sales. Eventually, the 1940 LaSalle Series 52 became its swan song. By 1940, after crafting approximately 218,000 vehicles in 14 years, GM decided to cease the production of LaSalle, reconfiguring Cadillac’s product line.