1937 LaSalle Driver Legroom

[suchan]

I'm looking at late '30's sedans, and have narrowed it down to either a '38 Buick Century or a '37 LaSalle. I've had '38 Buick Specials, and I can wedge my 6'4", 275 lb self behind the wheel of those and Centurys. I've heard that '37 LaSalles are tight for the driver, and I don't know of any locally (near Seattle) to try on for size. Has anyone of my approximate size driven a '37 LaSalle? What should I pay for a good driver, like 3-plus/2 minus condition? I'm seeing prices anywhere from $18K for a restored car with  a dirty fuel system to $50K for what looks like a nice #2 car.

[Steve Passmore]

No good me getting into the size thing as they are all comfortable for my 5.10"  200lbs. but something you want to remember Suchan, they are all basically the same bodies. I have had Cadillacs, LaSalles, and many Buicks. Unless you have one with a fixed front seat as per Limos you should be OK if you have been used to the Buicks.

Agree with Art, 50K is far too much. That would be a dealer price for a number 1 car.  4 door sedans of that ilk are just not fetching that sort of money.

[suchan]

Thanks for the replies, Art and Steve. Looks like I'm good to go. A couple of things I think favor the LaSalle for long-term ownership are the open driveline (no need to pull the rear end to work on the driveline) and painted rather than woodgrain-pattern dash and window garnishes (which are difficult and/or expensive to refresh).
I'll keep an eye out for a nice 37 sedan.

[gary griffin]

As to legroom I have a 1940 LaSalle 4 door convertible and it is O K but would prefer a little more leg room. I am 6' 2" and long legged. I live near you in Federal Way and you could be welcome to come over and try the leg room in my LaSalle.  AS stated above many G M cars had same dimensions.  Many teller people have long trunks. I have a friend about 5' 10" and he is taller than me when we sit together for example.

[Steve Passmore]

I believe your convertible sedan would have the fixed front seat Gary, no? as it's part of the pillar support and may not be the best comparison for legroom. Sedans usually have more seat adjustment when they are not fixed. I had a 37 limo with a fixed seat that was only just right for me but it near crippled my best buddy who has longer legs.

[suchan]

Many thanks for the offer, Gary.
As it happens, I found a '37 LaSalle on the local CLC chapter newsletter, and went to see it in Oak Harbor. Nice car, owner has had it 40 years. He's quite a bit shorter than me, and the seat adjuster is seized at the setting best for him. He's going to have a local mechanic address that and a couple other issues most likely due to not being driven much lately, then we'll revisit the possibility of a sale.

As to legroom I have a 1940 LaSalle 4 door convertible and it is O K but would prefer a little more leg room. I am 6' 2" and long legged. I live near you in Federal Way and you could be welcome to come over and try the leg room in my LaSalle.  AS stated above many G M cars had same dimensions.  Many teller people have long trunks. I have a friend about 5' 10" and he is taller than me when we sit together for example.