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The LaSalle was a model of automobile produced by General Motors to fill the price niche between Buick and the more expensive Cadillac models. Genius innovator and designer, Harley Earl developed the LaSalle in 1927. Originally meant to be a low-profile design, under Earl's direction, the LaSalle emerged as a distinctive, breathtaking display of all the artistry of which GM was capable.

Manufactured by Cadillac to luxury standards, the LaSalle was smaller, sportier and more maneuverable than its more expensive counterpart. Smooth, flowing lines and a razor-thin radiator grill paired with futuristic window design set the LaSalle apart from other car models. Traditionally, car designs rarely changed from year to year. The LaSalle was a concept that challenged its competitors by introducing radical new designs.

In a time when most auto companies produced cars in the somber, predictable hues of black or navy blue, LaSalle offered its customers two-tone body work in colors such as silver, yellow, orange or red. Body styles of the LaSalle were also offered in a full range of custom designs. The economic troubles caused by the Great Depression threatened to end the LaSalle's short run, until the price for the car was adjusted to be considerably less than Cadillac models. Sales surged, nearly doubling and the model survived.

In 1934, the sporty and agile LaSalle model 350 was chosen as the Indianapolis 500 pace car and in 1937, LaSalle was again chosen for the prestigious event. This honor served to propel the LaSalle brand into becoming a household name.

Henry Ford's wildly successful Packard model began to outsell both Cadillac and LaSalle combined and in 1939, production of the LaSalle was halted forever, making 1940 the last calendar year the model was available.

Dramatic and innovative designs were Harley Earl's trademark. Through the LaSalle, he introduced industry-altering changes to automobiles that still influence how cars are engineered to this day. He invented the concept of the hidden spare tire, electric windows, the power convertible top, tinted glass and power radio antenna, to name merely a few. Because of his success with the LaSalle, Earl was given direct control over all of GM design before World War II saw car production in America cease for several years.

Few automobiles have impacted the American car market in the way the LaSalle has. Though short-lived, the brand was a byword for elegance, agility and innovative engineering. While the LaSalle has been defunct for the better part of seventy years, a certain nostalgia for it still exists and it lives on in the innovations of its creator in modern cars on the road today.