Description
The LaSalle V8 248 Convertible represented a turning point in American automotive design during the mid-1930s, when performance, elegance, and aerodynamic refinement began to merge into a unified philosophy. Built under the influence of Cadillac’s engineering excellence and Harley Earl’s visionary styling, the V8 248 Convertible embodied the spirit of progress that defined General Motors during this transformative era. It was a car that balanced youthful glamour with technical sophistication, offering open-air luxury at a price and scale that brought Cadillac-level refinement to a wider audience.
LaSalle, introduced in 1927 as Cadillac’s companion marque, had been conceived to fill the space between Cadillac and Buick in GM’s lineup. By the mid-1930s, the brand had firmly established itself as a purveyor of stylish, driver-oriented automobiles—cars that combined European flair with American comfort and dependability. The 1934–1938 models, particularly the V8 248 Convertible, demonstrated the maturity of this philosophy. They were cars that appealed to buyers who wanted performance and prestige but with a more modern, streamlined sensibility than traditional Cadillacs of the period.
The “248” in the model’s name referred to its engine displacement: a 248 cubic inch (4.1-litre) L-head V8. This powerplant, a scaled-down version of Cadillac’s famous flathead V8, produced approximately 120 horsepower—an impressive figure for the time. The engine was smooth, quiet, and durable, designed for effortless cruising rather than outright speed. Mated to a three-speed manual transmission, it delivered torque with seamless precision, making the car remarkably easy to drive. Hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension were standard features by this time, giving the LaSalle a refined, composed ride that set it apart from many competitors. The car could comfortably reach highway speeds above 80 mph, and its balance of power and grace made it an ideal touring machine.
The design of the LaSalle V8 248 Convertible was one of Harley Earl’s most accomplished mid-decade works. It reflected the growing influence of the “streamline moderne” aesthetic, with smooth, flowing surfaces and gently curved fenders that suggested motion even at rest. The body sat low and wide, with an integrated grille that tapered vertically and subtly flared headlamps mounted into the fenders rather than standing apart. The long hood and short rear deck gave it classic roadster proportions, while the folding soft-top roof allowed for elegant open-air motoring. The windshield was slightly raked, contributing to the car’s aerodynamic profile, and chrome accents were used sparingly but effectively to emphasize its contours.
Inside, the LaSalle V8 248 Convertible exuded understated luxury. The cabin featured two large, deeply cushioned seats upholstered in leather, with door panels trimmed in matching materials. The dashboard was a study in art deco elegance, finished in brushed metal or woodgrain with circular instrument clusters framed by fine chrome bezels. Switches, knobs, and the steering wheel were ergonomically arranged and finely detailed, reflecting GM’s commitment to craftsmanship and design coherence. A rumble seat was often fitted at the rear in early examples, turning the convertible into a four-passenger touring car while maintaining its sleek silhouette.
Driving the V8 248 Convertible was an experience that blended refinement and confidence. The flathead V8 provided steady, vibration-free power, and the independent front suspension absorbed road imperfections with surprising ease for the era. The steering was light, precise, and well-weighted, and the braking performance was reassuring. The car’s relatively low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution made it feel nimble and responsive on curving roads, qualities that were rare among American luxury cars of the mid-1930s. It was not merely a boulevard cruiser—it was a grand touring car in the truest sense, capable of covering long distances with poise and comfort.
The 1934–1936 LaSalle series, including the 248 Convertible, marked a period of resurgence for the brand. These cars represented a clear shift away from the ornate styling of the late 1920s toward a cleaner, more integrated look that anticipated the aerodynamic trends of the late 1930s and early 1940s. The LaSalle’s proportions—long hood, short rear deck, and gently sloping fenders—became hallmarks of American automotive design for the next decade. Its influence extended even to Cadillac, which adopted many of its styling cues in subsequent years.
In the marketplace, the LaSalle 248 Convertible appealed to younger, affluent buyers who wanted the prestige of a Cadillac but with a more adventurous character. It was priced competitively, typically between $1,600 and $2,000 depending on trim and options, which placed it squarely in the upper-middle luxury bracket. For that, buyers received a car that looked and felt like a custom-built machine—graceful, powerful, and impeccably finished.
Today, the LaSalle V8 248 Convertible stands as one of the most desirable models of the marque’s history. Surviving examples are rare and highly prized by collectors, valued both for their beauty and for their historical significance as precursors to the design language that would dominate late-1930s Cadillacs and Buicks. Restored examples showcase the car’s sweeping lines, polished detailing, and impeccable craftsmanship, making them highlights of concours events and vintage rallies around the world.
The LaSalle V8 248 Convertible remains an enduring symbol of the fusion between art and engineering that defined prewar American luxury automobiles. It captured the essence of a transitional age—one in which designers began to think not only about how cars performed, but how they looked and felt. With its smooth V8 power, elegant proportions, and timeless grace, the 248 Convertible epitomized the optimism and creativity of its era, standing as a masterpiece of motion and design that continues to captivate nearly a century later.