Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

O.K.

Looks like my 1940 LaSalle 5227 will not be repairable within insurance limits.  Buying it back does not seem economically feasible as there would certainly not be enough cash left to try to fix it. My LaSalle has many valuable parts and a recently, quality, overhauled engine. Ran beautifully and powerfully. But parting it out would be heartbreaking and a lot of aggravation.  I tried to delete my posting for a parts car but it will not let me delete the first posting in a thread.  If you think I am twisting in the wind.....you are correct!

So I will be in the market for a very nice replacement.  Prefer a 40 or 39 LaSalle. Will consider any model other than a convertible.  It must be nice in appearance and absolutely mechanically sound with known history.  Prefer to buy from an individual who has loved and cared for the car.....but ready to let it go.  I would consider stepping up in class a bit tor a Cadillac of late 30s early 40s vintage. I can travel nation wide to see and drive any offerings.  Want one that can be driven confidently 2 or 3,000 miles annually for my remaining years. I am 73 and healthy at the moment.  I do not want a trailer queen show car. It will be driven; carefully housed and maintained.  I am a serious buyer with cash in hand.

Just trying to see what is out there and available.  Appreciate any suggestions.  PM me with offerings or post here and I will respond by email or telephone.

Thanks,
Bob

A sad end to a sad tale.  Best of luck in your search, Bob.
Geoff N.

Bob,
I suggest you buy back the salvage. The insurance repair cost is based on EXPENSIVE shops doing the work. You find guys that work much cheaper  nites & weekends for cash. Do ALL your own leg work. It will save you thousands.
If you buy another car ... you will forever be comparing it to your old car. You will start to hate it!!
Your call.
Bob

I suspect Bob is correct. Still, a horrible situation to be in. Hang in there z3skybolt. Clay/Lexi

     A picture or two might bring more accurate assessment on the practical side of buying back and repairing the car.  The damage description is a bit vague, but it didn't sound terminal at all, and shop estimates are going to be high. Someone else may buy it and find they have a great car for some rewarding effort.

               Jim Stamper  CLC#13470

I had my Ranchero written off by Insurance, and I kept the wreck.

The repair costs were 7/8 of the insurance payout, and now I have a vehicle that is now worth, and insured for nearly 3 times what it was previously insured for.

All the parts came from USA, and I did all the repairs with the assistance of a friend, and now it is better than new.

To the Insurance Company, it was a financial write-off, but I am glad that I fixed it.

Bruce. >:D

There are no pictures??

Wow.   :'(

As my Panel Beater would say, "just a scratch".

BUT, totally fixable.   BUT, getting the good diecast pieces would take time, and money.

You would be surprised just how good it would looked if the damaged parts were removed.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   The trouble would be finding a good panel beater.

That is worse than I thought. That said, I really admire Bruce's enthusiasm with respect to this as a repair project. Based on his experience I acknowledge his opinion & would proceed in that manner. They were also great words of encouragement. I felt better just reading them and it is not even my car. One thing I have learned is that just about anything can be fixed. Time and money is required. Although heart breaking, your spirit and enthusiasm will be elevated once things start getting fixed. Clay/Lexi

    That really is something. It looks more like a bear or moose strike. Jim Stamper #13470

   

You can sell the back half of the car to someone with a rearended car.  It would help someone out.

 Bob , very sad news about your car, there is possibly a 39 here in SLC I am not sure if it sold at auction or not, I can get in contact with the owner to see if it did sell, this car was purchased by a group of family members to give to their parents as a anniversary gift , if I remember correctly they had their honeymoon in one of these.  Here is a link to a few pictures, https://www.classiccarauction.us/inventory/car.php?id=10595192&avId=708407&pageID=1

Marty

Marty,

Thank you for the response and pictures.  Indeed Hagerty totaled my LaSalle yesterday. The one pictured looks very nice. I am especially interested in the mechanicals.  Don't go to any great trouble, but if you can contact the owners I would be interested in following up.  Any info they give you would be appreciated,

Thanks,

Bob R.

  Bob , I contacted a family member and he is having one of his siblings give me a call who knows the situation, so I guess standby for now, I will send you a private message when I get the info. ,

Thanks,

I'll watch for my messages.

Bob

 Bob PM sent I also emailed you ....   Marty

Bob I just ran across this one on Facebook Market Place, it is located in the Chicago area asking $29,000

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/451908075313385/

Jim

Thanks Jim,

A bit gaudy....but I PMed him.

Bob

Hi Bob
I was looking online and came across this one. 
IG poster or reposted is Cadillacsales

Thanks Abe,

I contacted the seller.  He was indifferent. When I asked for additional pictures to be sent to my email he stated.."I don't want to waste my time".  "I am in no hurry to sell".

Given his attitude I doubted that we would ever come to a mutually agreeable deal. So I ended all contact.  Others may have a better experience.

Still looking.

Bob

I have sold the LaSalle and am still in the market for a replacement. Must be a nice 39/40 LaSalle.  39/41 Cadillac. No convertibles will be considered.

Thanks,

Bob R.

There's a '40 LaSalle 4 door on the CLC facebook page for sale, $29.5k obo.  Not sure how to link you to it, but the seller's name is Nick Manole.  Car is in Albuquerque.

Thanks Chris,

I saw the add and looked into it. The cosmetics are below average, the mechanics questionable and way overpriced for a sedan.  Price needs to come down many  thousands. 

Thank you and keep them coming. CLC members have sent me several ADDS which I had not found on my own. Indeed I find the internet search far more difficult than when I looked for my 5257 five years ago.

Take care,
Bob

Thanks to all. I am traveling to Michigan tomorrow to pick up my NEW 1940 LaSalle.  I has been an interesting hunt to replace my wrecked 1940 LaSalle 5227.

Appreciate all of you who helped.

Bob R.