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1940 LASALLE

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.DoorsBody TypeSeatingPriceWeight
40-5027 2Coupe 2 $12403700 lb
40-5067 2Convertible Coupe 2 $13953805 lb
40-5011 2Touring Sedan 5 $12803760 lb
40-5011-A2Touring Sedan (STT) 5 $-------- lb
40-5029 4Convertible Sedan 5 $18004000 lb
40-5019 4Touring Sedan 5 $13203790 lb
40-5019-A4Touring Sedan (STT) 5 $-------- lb
40-5019-F4Touring Sedan (Div) 5 $-------- lb
Fisher Series 52 123" Wheelbase
Style No.DoorsBody TypeSeatingPriceWeight
40-5227C 2Coupe 2 $13803810 lb
40-5219 4Touring Sedan 5 $14403900 lb
40-5229 4Convertible Sedan 5 $18954110 lb
40-5267 2Convertible Coupe 2 $15353915 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

FeatureSeries 50Series 52Series 50
Commercial Chassis
Wheelbase123 inches123 inches159 inches
Overall length206.75 inches210.5 inches244-7/8 inches
Front tread58 inches58 inches58 inches
Rear tread59 inches59 inches59 inches
Tires7.00x167.00x167.00x16

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. Chevrolet764,616 ... increased 187,000
    2. Ford541,896 ... increased 55,000
    3. Plymouth423,155 ... increased 6,000
    4. Buick278,784 ... increased 70,000
    5. Pontiac217,001 ... increased 73,000
    6. Dodge195,505 ... increased 116,000
    7. Oldsmobile185,154 ... increased 58,000
    8. Studebaker107,185 ... increased 21,000
    9. Packard98,020 ... decreased 51,000
    10. Chrysler92,419 ... increased 20,000
    11. Hudson87,915 ... increased 6,000
    12. Mercury81,128 ... increase 6,000
    13. DeSoto65,467 ... increased 11,000
    14. Nash62,131 ... decreased 700
    15. LaSalle24,130 ... increased 3,000
    16. Lincoln21,765 ... increased 600
    17. Willys21,418 ... increased 3,000
    18. Cadillac13,043 ... decreased 500
    19. Graham2,000 ... decreased 3,000
    20. Crosley422 ... decreased 1,600
    21. American Bantam800 ... decreased 400

PHOTOS

1940 LaSalle 5267

1940 LaSalle Series 5267

1940 LaSalle 5227

1940 LaSalle Series 5227

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle Series 5027

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle (Owner: Ray Menefee)

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle (Owner: Ray Menefee)

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle (Owner: Ray Menefee)

1940 LaSalle

1940 LaSalle interior(Owner: Ray Menefee)

1940 LaSalle 5227 engine

1940 LaSalle Series 5227 engine

LITERATURE & LINKS