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I was at the local garage this morning getting my car inspected and started talking to the mechanic about old cars. He asked me if I had seen the 1939 La Salle 39-50 that was in the back. I went back to look and found a completely original 1939, complete with the original flathead V8 and interior. The paint is sad, the chrome is pitted, but the car is all there. I did not observe any rust in the quick look that I took. The car ran a few years ago, but has not recently run.

What is the ballpark that one of these cars would be worth? He said the owner wants to sell it as he has lost his storage. I assume in a restored state that this car would bring $20-$30K, but have no real knowledge of the market for these cars.

He also has a 1949 Lincoln convertible that another owner left. He wants too much money for it, however

David Nolen

DocHornet

The LaSalle was Cadillac's "economy" model during these years. If it's a sedan, honestly they just don't command too much. I've seen pretty decent drivers in the $10-15k range.

Based on your brief description (and my vivid imagination), you could easily sink $25-30k in such a fright pig to come up with a decent driver that might be worth $15-20k at best.

Instead, if you're interested in this model (and they ARE great cars, albeit smaller engines and a bit less glamorous than their big sister Caddies), you'd be much better off buying the one from the guy who restores this one, at a huge discount!

Unless you have your own paint booth, chrome plating setup, and upholstery equipment and skills, it's virtually impossible to restore something like this and come out ahead. If it's a barn-find Bugatti, that might be a different story

Ask me how I know.

surfdwngmailcom

I did some research and feel the car is a $4K car. The owner wants $5K for it. The interior is just about perfect and unmolested. I did not realize the low value of the sedans. It seems they need a pristine restoration to command any sort of value.

hudsontech

Toss $4500 at him and see what he says. As the man says LaSalles are good solid cars - the poor mans Caddy. If the interior is as good as you say, and the engine runs then you're half-way home to a very nice car to show off in.

Also, LaSalle parts are probably easier to come by than Hudson parts!!!! LOL (But don't sell your Hudson.)

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

ClassicCar

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