LaSalle (1934)

This year the Series 50, model 350 replaced the Series 345-C

• The 1934 LaSalle was now more like a Cadillac
• The Great Depression brought Cadillac to such low sales that GM considered dropping both Cadillac and LaSalle altogether
• It was hoped that LaSalle sales would bring the division into the black
• The LaSalle was priced $1000 below the least expensive Cadillac, yet had all the quality and features of a Cadillac
• The low price was made possible by using off-the-shelf components from other GM divisions and from outside suppliers.
• The body style selection was cut in half. Fisher bodies were gone. All four body styles were by Fleetwood
• The term “Bodies by Fleetwood” was a mark of distinction and helped to keep the Fleetwood division going

Body

• The styling was more streamlined and previously visible parts of the chassis were now hidden
• The radiator grill was narrower and sloped steeply to the rear
• Teardrop headlights were secured to the radiator housing
• The hood featured five circular ports on each side
• The windshield sloped 25°
• The cowl vent door opened at the rear
• All doors were hinged at the rear
• The Beavertail rear deck completely covered the chassis and concealed the luggage and spare wheel compartment
• Air-foil type front fenders arched low in the front to cover the chassis and blended into the radiator housing to eliminate splash shields
• Biplane bumpers were mounted on concealed coil springs

Chassis:

• LaSalle was mounted on a new X-type frame designed to reduce the overall height of the car by four inches
• The front suspension was a new A-frame independent suspension with coil springs and center point steering
• Semi-elliptic rear springs were installed to accommodate the Hotchkiss drive
• It had double acting shock absorbers where the rear shocks were combined with a ride stabilizer bar.
• Bendix hydraulic brakes were Cadillac’s first departure from mechanical brakes and were used only on the LaSalle in 1934

Drive Line:

• Single plate dry disc clutch
• Three-speed synchromesh transmission with helical cut spline shaft and gears
• Rear axle semi-floating with spiral bevel gears
• Hotchkiss drive was a departure from Cadillac’s long use of torque tube drive

Engine:

• Eight cylinder inline L-head of conventional design
• Aluminum pistons
• Dual downdraft carburetors