The late 1930s marked one of the most elegant periods in American automotive design, and few automobiles captured that spirit better than the 1939 LaSalle Series 50. Created by General Motors as a companion marque to Cadillac, LaSalle combined luxury, advanced engineering, and striking styling into a refined automobile that appealed to buyers seeking prestige without stepping into Cadillac’s highest price range.
Today, the 1939 LaSalle Series 50 is celebrated as one of the most beautiful pre-war American automobiles and represents the final evolution of a brand that helped shape automotive styling for generations. For 1939, LaSalle received a significant redesign featuring lower body lines, increased glass area, and a slimmer grille, giving the car a more modern appearance while retaining Cadillac-inspired refinement.
A Brand Ahead of Its Time
LaSalle was introduced in 1927 as General Motors’ bridge between Buick and Cadillac.
The marque was named after the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and quickly established itself as a symbol of affordable luxury. More importantly, the original LaSalle became the first production automobile designed under the direction of Harley Earl, the legendary stylist who would go on to transform automotive design throughout the twentieth century.
Throughout its history, LaSalle offered much of Cadillac’s engineering excellence while maintaining its own distinctive personality and styling.
One of the Most Beautiful Designs of 1939
The 1939 model represented one of LaSalle’s most successful redesigns.
Its long hood, gracefully flowing fenders, narrow vertical grille, integrated headlights, and streamlined profile reflected the growing influence of Art Deco design. Lower door sills improved entry, while larger windows created a brighter and more spacious cabin.
Every detail contributed to an automobile that looked both sophisticated and modern, helping the Series 50 stand apart in a competitive luxury market.
Cadillac V8 Performance
Beneath the elegant bodywork was proven Cadillac engineering.
Power came from a 322-cubic-inch flathead V8, producing approximately 125 horsepower. The engine delivered smooth acceleration, quiet operation, and dependable long-distance performance, qualities that made LaSalle a favorite among buyers who valued refined touring over outright speed.
Combined with a three-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the Series 50 offered effortless cruising that reflected Cadillac’s reputation for engineering excellence.
Built for Comfortable Touring
The LaSalle was designed to make every journey enjoyable.
Independent front suspension, a carefully engineered chassis, and a comfortable interior provided a remarkably smooth ride for its era. Whether traveling across the American countryside or arriving in style at a formal event, the Series 50 offered a level of refinement expected from one of General Motors’ premium marques.
Attention to craftsmanship extended throughout the cabin, where quality materials and elegant instrumentation reinforced its luxury credentials.
The Final Golden Years of LaSalle
Although the 1939 model enjoyed strong sales, LaSalle’s future was already uncertain.
General Motors increasingly focused on strengthening Cadillac, and the overlap between the two brands became difficult to justify. Production continued through the 1940 model year before the LaSalle name was retired, bringing an end to one of America’s most distinctive luxury marques.
Because of its place near the end of the brand’s history, the 1939 Series 50 remains one of the most significant LaSalle models ever produced.
A Highly Desirable Collector’s Classic
Today, the 1939 LaSalle Series 50 enjoys growing appreciation among collectors.
Its elegant styling, dependable Cadillac mechanical components, and historical importance make it a rewarding automobile to own and preserve. Unlike many luxury cars of the period, the Series 50 offers a balance of rarity, drivability, and strong parts support through an active enthusiast community.
Whether restored to concours standards or maintained as an original survivor, each example represents an important chapter in American automotive history.
A Lasting Legacy
The LaSalle name may have disappeared after 1940, but its influence remains unmistakable.
It helped establish styling as a defining element of automobile design, introduced generations of buyers to Cadillac-level luxury, and produced some of the most graceful American cars of the pre-war era. The 1939 Series 50 stands as one of the finest examples of that legacy—a car that continues to impress with its timeless proportions, refined engineering, and unmistakable elegance.
For enthusiasts of classic American automobiles, the LaSalle is far more than a forgotten marque; it is a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring style.
Featured on OldTimers Offer
The 1939 LaSalle Series 50 currently featured on OldTimers Offer represents one of the most elegant luxury automobiles of pre-war America.
With its streamlined styling, smooth Cadillac V8 engine, refined craftsmanship, and important place in General Motors history, it remains a remarkable example of American automotive excellence from the late 1930s.
Whether displayed at prestigious concours events, enjoyed on scenic touring drives, or preserved in a distinguished private collection, the 1939 LaSalle Series 50 continues to showcase the elegance and innovation that defined one of America’s most respected luxury marques.
