Totaled 1940 LaSalle 5227 for sale

[z3skybolt]

My LaSalle is totaled,

I hate to see it go to a salvage yard.  Knowing that there are many talented person here who could remake my car into a nice reliable driver....I thought that I'd take a shot at offering it for sale.  I am including a before and and after picture.

What can I say? I could part it out and probably eventually exceed my asking price. But that is a pain both physically and emotionally. I'd rather see a talented individual put it back together and get it on the road again. Honestly if I had the talents I would do so myself. But I am limited to oil changes and tune ups.  A fellow member helped locate a parts car in Conn. that has everything needed to restore, including grille and bumper for $2,000.00.  Bumper and grille solid but must be rechromed.  Hundreds of hours of personal labor and several additional thousand dollars should make a really nice car.

I am located 50 miles from St.Louis.  I am asking $7,500.00. My price is firm.

Bob R.

[guyrobert]

That is very sad to see let's hope you find the right buyer!

[gkhashem]

Such as shame to see such a nice car ruined.

I can understand the feelings after putting so much effort and time into making the car a nice vehicle.

I hope you find someone with the talent to make her like new again.

[chrisntam]

Here’s a thought, though not sure what your replacement car will be...

If you plan on getting another ‘40, keep this one until your replacement arrives should the damaged one have better parts than the new one has.

What are your thoughts on it’s replacement?

From another thread, "Prefer a 40 or 39 LaSalle."

Updated....

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Wow Bob !!     How did you walk away from this wreck??.....That ain't tin foil that is all bent and twisted....

Glad your OK....

Mike

[GBrown #8092]

Amen! That looks pretty serious. Glad you're okay.

Glenn

[z3skybolt]

Here’s a thought, though not sure what your replacement car will be...

If you plan on getting another ‘40, keep this one until your replacement arrives should the damaged one have better parts than the new one has.

What are your thoughts on it’s replacement?

From another thread, "Prefer a 40 or 39 LaSalle."

Updated....

Chris,

I am still in the hunt.  Basically restricting myself to a 39 or 40 LaSalle or a 39/ 40/41 Cadillac. Will not consider a convertible. I traveled  1,964 miles last week looking at a 41 Cadillac 6127 and a 40 LaSalle 5019.  Both were nice cars, but not as nice as mine was. The Cadillac was beautiful but had noisy lifters and too much steering slop. The LaSalle was pretty good, the engine was smooth and quiet, started instantly even when hot....priced $14,000.00 less than the 6127..... but had steering issues worse than the Cadillac.  My LaSalle set such a high bar that it is going to be difficult finding something as nice.

I have settled with Hagerty and will spend some time looking for just the right vehicle. 

Bob R.

[fishnjim]

If you have the parts, take to a body shop, body school/training program/community college, etc*, or some resto place and let them finish, then sell it.   
I think your price is very high for someone to take on a project like this, especially for the average member without the body tools/know how/mechanical skills, as you attest, because there's no way to know the condition in a pre-war until it comes apart.   A lot of the straightening info is not available today so basically has to go down to the frame table.   So a good end result is a crap shoot.   Restored value is not that high and declining.   The unfortunate state of prewars today.   They weren't designed for crash energy absorption.   C'est la "collector car" vie.
Easy for the insurance guy to determine cost to restore exceeds the value of the car and total.   I'd look for different type insurance coverage on the next one.
*- donate and take tax break optional.

[z3skybolt]

Fishin Jim,

I am very happy with Hagerty.  Paid agreed to value without hesitation, towing fee and property damage.  I understand all that you are saying about repair and eventual value.  I have no problem with keeping it as an insurance policy for the next LaSalle/Cadillac.  Great engine, transmission and drive train. Beautiful interior, much undamaged chrome and body parts.  If I never need anything....little doubt that I could get my "repurchase" price back.

Next collector car will also be with Hagerty and will have an agreed to value well in excess of purchase price, plus salvage insurance.  Didn't know about that before.  I've learned a lot after the fact.

Take care,

Bob R.

[J. Skelly]

Bob,

It's an unfortunate loss, but in the big scheme of things, at least you weren't seriously hurt or had a passenger in there at the time.  That was a beautiful car.  Hopefully someone accepts the challenge to restore it again.

Would you please elaborate on the salvage insurance?

[z3skybolt]

Jim,

I cannot elaborate on the salvage insurance other than to say that it is available and not very expensive. I learned about it from a CLC member after my accident. My LaSalle was insured with Hagerty and they paid the agreed to value without hesitation, the towing bill and property damage claims. I bought the car back from them for a fair amount.  Cannot say enough good about Hagerty.  When I get my next LaSalle/Cadillac I will purchase the salvage insurance as well.  A call to Hagerty would answer all your questions.

Yes when I look at the impact damage I cannot believe that I escaped with a few bumps, bruises and a bit of whiplash.  All symptoms disappeared within a few days. No seat belts of course!

Best wishes,

bob

[Dan LeBlanc]

Basically salvage insurance is coverage that if you decide to keep your car in the event of a total loss, the salvage value is not deducted from your payout.  You keep the car and get 100% of the agreed-to value coverage.

[Lexi]

A CLC buddy has made two claims through Hagerty; one for the theft of his Cadillac and the other for accident damage to his other Caddy. Hagerty was very fair to deal with he said. Paid out quickly and no issues. Another buddy had his Caddy written off in an accident and Hagerty again was fantastic in the handling of his claim. Good luck in your search for a replacement vehicle Bob. Clay/Lexi

[dinhnguyen57]

How expensive is Salvage Insurance..lets say a $100,000 car?

[J. Skelly]

thanks for the explanation, Dan; I, too, have Hagerty

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Come down to Australia and we have Shannons Insurance, where the Salvage cover is automatically in the Full Coverage policy.

Had my own car (Ute) written off, got full value, plus the wreck, which I have rebuilt.

Bruce.

[Dan LeBlanc]

How expensive is Salvage Insurance..lets say a $100,000 car?

The rate here in Canada from Hagerty is 15% of your annual premium.

[Dexfoster]

Parts maybe?
Dex

[dinhnguyen57]

Thank you, Dan.

[schanerauto]

hello Bob ,
Kevin from California here with a few questions.
first, sorry for this loss.
i can see the shutters ,but is the radiator damaged ?
front wheel or front suspension damage
my dad got in trouble during wwII when he repaired his commanding officers Lasalle,after he repaired it
he polished it and his commanders wife would not let him drive it to the base anymore
Thanks Kevin Schaner