Hi
I have the opportunity to purchase a 1940 LaSalle 50 series coupe. Car has 28,000 miles and is rock solid and all original. Missing nothing. Needs paint and trim restored. Interior is in great shape. Been stored inside for a long time. Runs like a top. I know nothing about these cars but I really like that it is so solid and is a nice looking car. I have restored 70's era muscle cars so im not new to working on cars. I just don't have a clue what this car would be worth painted or how much to offer. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,Steve
feel free to call if you want to
516-713-3280 EST
Sounds like a great unmolested survivor. Although it is a common model it is also a desirable car to own. The 1940 is the last LaSalle. Running strong is not a true indicator of what the car is worth. Survivors are desirable and if the paint is fair I would recommend driving it and showing it as a survivor. Many restored cars out there and few great survivors. I am assuming the body is sound with no significant rust. This is a 73 year old car and all of the rubber will be rotten including brake components, hoses, fan belts, tires, along with door and window seals. The wiring will also probably have to be replaced.
I am not trying to scare you but I am trying to paint a realistic picture of the challenges of owning a car like that one. Do now expect to start driving it safely without addressing these issues. The paint and trim are minor by comparison.
Good luck and please post pictures and more information if you want advice about value. It will vary a great deal depending on overall condition
Thanks for the response Gary. Would you be able to give me a ball park fiqure on what this car shouls sell for? it was stored in a climate controlled facility. Everything is there and in good shape. Runs and drives like a new car. It was found in a estate sale. Body has absolutely no rust and not a ding anywhere. Underside is the same. Interior is near perfect. Engine super clean,no leaks so quiet you can barely here it run. Owner said he fixed a leak in the water pump and that was it. Wiring and seals look very good.
I want to make an offer but have no clue what would be fair.
Thanks,Steve
516-713-3280
Please call or leave a number if you don't mind.
Please anyone with knowledge of this car give me some number to base my starting point. I have to make an offer by tonight. Someone has to know what the going rate would be for a solid low mileage original condition 40 series 50 coupe would be
Thanks
Its so hard for people to give values just on a description so go easy on us. Paint and trim with some chrome almost comes down to a full restoration.
All the things Gary mentions have to be taken into account. One of the members on this forum had a 1040 convertible for sale not long back needing the same as yours and was hard pressed to get $20K for it so the hardtop is worth considerable less.
I recently purchased a 1940 Cadillac coupe for 12K needing the trim and paint so my opinion for what its worth would be in the 8 to 15K range depending on many things not least how much you want it.
Here are two pictures. This is all I have. If I was able to buy this car at 15k would I be safe as far as if I could not afford to start restoration would I be able to get my investment back? I am nota rich guy and I am going to have to get a loan to buy the car. I'm just afraid of overpaying to much for the car.
Thanks
Next pic
looks a good solid car. but if you have to take a loan to buy you are already loosing your investment with the interest on the loan then you maybe have to borrow more to restore?? Not a good way to start into the old car hobby. 15K would be the top end of my estimate but thats just me. Try to get it for 10, least then you have a financial buffer.
Hello Steve
Glad to receive your call earlier today.
I hope you absorb the information I shared. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want more LaSalle advice. We exist to assist.
To put some perspective on it, theres an exact same model on eBay for some time that needs nothing for $17,500. The car your considering could not be brought up to that standard if you only paid $10K for it. It would have to be a labour of love. Thats what fuels this hobby mostly.
Hello Mr. Passmore
I TRY to gain knowledge on any available LaSalle to provide insight for our CLC members and prospective buyers. The vehicle you suggested:
(1) I had it inspected by a CLC member in proxemity
(2) It had a multitude of nonauthentic items executed by a shade tree flipper
(3) The winner of the bondo queen contest
(4) Extremely overpriced.
I can appreciate a modified but not a car that has been butchered. I discussed this car with the original Poster and used it as an example of what a purist would NOT buy. After a lengthy conversation with him to discern his ability and desire, I gave him a purchase range for the original automobile in his sight.
We must assist new hobbyists to enter our field at THEIR comfortable financial and skill level to retain them as CLC members.
Thanks for the advice CR and everyone else. I am still thinking hard about the car. I will try in the next day or two to get another look at it and decide if it something I want to get involved in. If I do purchase the car I will post it here.
Thanks everyone.
Quote from: C.R. Patton II on August 06, 2014, 08:24:01 AM
I can appreciate a modified but not a car that has been butchered. I discussed this car with the original Poster and used it as an example of what a purist would NOT buy.
A little bird tells me YOU bought one just like it!
Steve. Your little bird has been passing bad information.
Steve, I wasn't talking about you.
Hello Steve Passmore
Ego sum reus.
Illinc fui et illud feci CR
Hi Gary, from Nassau Co ha? There are two price guides that many insurers use. This is important, since when you attempt to obtain insurance, the Insurer will only offer you a Agreed Replacement Amount for the car based on Book. The one that I use is free online. NADA will give you a fair value of cars in High quality(#2), middle condition(#3) and Low price, ie,#4 needs minor work to be driven. Read their criteria. Trailer queens and show cars are not included, although 20-25% more then High quality 2, seems to come close. Nor are parts cars covered. Better accuracy is obtained from Old Cars Price Guide, a periodical that updates their prices based on reported sales. It is sold on subscription or at news stands. Nada value is $22-30K in a #3 minus car. Ron
I don't think much of NADA prices. Very general listings.
You could have a stripped car, and a loaded car, and they price it the same.
Prices are way low as far as I was concerned.
Hagerty has a little better pricing guide, even though they are to general too.
Pretty much just ask you if it is a 2 door or a 4 door.
Remember it is only a guide.
Roy, How do you get to Hagerty Price Guide? I use them for my insurance. Do I get free access? Ron