Description
The LaSalle V8 322 was the final and most powerful expression of LaSalle’s evolution as Cadillac’s sophisticated companion marque, representing the pinnacle of the brand’s refinement and engineering before its discontinuation in 1940. Powered by Cadillac’s 322 cubic inch (5.3-litre) V8 engine, this final generation of LaSalle combined performance, craftsmanship, and modern design in a way that bridged the gap between the traditional luxury of the 1930s and the streamlined modernism that would define the 1940s. Elegant, quiet, and impressively capable, the V8 322 marked the high point of LaSalle’s brief but brilliant career.
By 1939, LaSalle had matured into one of America’s most respected automobile lines. Originally introduced in 1927 as a more youthful and stylish alternative to Cadillac, it had carved out its identity through Harley Earl’s forward-looking design philosophy and Cadillac’s technical excellence. The 1939–1940 LaSalle series, culminating in the V8 322, was a masterpiece of understated elegance and engineering precision. It reflected the art deco aesthetic of its time while anticipating the aerodynamic styling of the postwar era.
At the heart of the LaSalle 322 was Cadillac’s advanced monobloc V8 engine, displacing 322 cubic inches (5.3 litres) and producing around 125 horsepower. This flathead V8 was a masterpiece of smoothness and reliability, featuring a rigid one-piece cylinder block that reduced vibration and improved longevity. It was paired with a three-speed manual transmission that shifted with ease and precision, allowing the car to accelerate briskly and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds. The V8 322 was capable of more than 90 mph—a remarkable figure for a luxury car of its day—and its torque delivery was both immediate and refined, providing quiet, seamless power at all speeds.
Mechanically, the LaSalle shared its chassis and much of its engineering with Cadillac, including independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a sturdy X-braced frame. The ride quality was supple and well-controlled, the handling secure and predictable, and the overall refinement comparable to cars costing considerably more. The car’s long 123-inch wheelbase and balanced weight distribution gave it exceptional stability on the open road, while hydraulic shock absorbers and well-tuned springing ensured comfort even on rough surfaces.
The design of the LaSalle V8 322 was one of its greatest achievements. Harley Earl’s design team at General Motors’ Art and Color Section gave the car a clean, modern appearance that embodied the transition from the angular 1930s to the flowing forms of the 1940s. The front end featured a graceful, horizontally slatted grille that blended seamlessly into the rounded fenders, giving the car a sense of width and poise. The headlights were integrated into the fenders—a hallmark of late-1930s design—and the hood was long and tapering, emphasizing the car’s power and proportion. Chrome trim was used tastefully to accentuate the beltline and highlight the curvature of the body, while the rear fenders flowed smoothly into a streamlined tail with elegantly mounted taillights. The overall effect was one of motion and balance, a design both stately and modern.
The interiors of the LaSalle 322 models reflected Cadillac’s luxury heritage. The cabin was richly appointed with high-quality materials, including broadcloth or leather upholstery, polished woodgrain dashboard panels, and finely detailed chrome fittings. The instrumentation was art deco in style, with large, circular dials and softly illuminated markings that gave the dashboard a jewel-like appearance at night. The steering wheel and controls were ergonomically arranged, reflecting GM’s growing attention to driver comfort and usability. Despite being positioned below Cadillac in price, the LaSalle offered a level of fit, finish, and refinement that rivaled many full luxury cars of its era.
Driving the LaSalle V8 322 was a revelation for those accustomed to the heavier, slower luxury cars of the early 1930s. The combination of power, silence, and precision made it feel light and responsive, with effortless acceleration and confident handling. The engine’s flexibility meant it could cruise quietly at low speeds or surge forward with authority when called upon. The gearbox was smooth, the clutch light, and the brakes powerful and reassuring. The suspension isolated passengers from rough surfaces without compromising control, creating a ride that was both supple and composed.
The 1940 LaSalle lineup included both sedan and convertible body styles, each beautifully proportioned. The convertibles in particular—the Convertible Coupe and Convertible Sedan—were among the most elegant open cars of their time, featuring graceful rooflines and hand-fitted tops that folded neatly behind the rear seats. These cars embodied the glamour and optimism of prewar America, offering style and performance in perfect harmony.
Although the LaSalle V8 322 was widely admired, 1940 marked the end of the marque. General Motors decided to consolidate its luxury offerings under the Cadillac name, believing the LaSalle brand had fulfilled its purpose as an experimental bridge. The final cars were so close in design and engineering to Cadillacs that the distinction between them had become almost academic. Yet the LaSalle name left behind a lasting legacy—it had introduced a sense of modernity, proportion, and design integrity that reshaped the look of American automobiles for decades to come.
Today, the LaSalle V8 322 is recognized as the ultimate expression of the brand’s ideals: elegance without excess, performance without pretense, and innovation without abandoning tradition. Collectors prize these final models for their balanced styling, smooth powertrains, and historical significance as the direct ancestors of Cadillac’s postwar triumphs.
The LaSalle V8 322 stands as a fitting finale for one of the most artistically influential marques in American automotive history. It represents a moment when form and function reached perfect equilibrium—a car that captured the quiet confidence of its age, blending engineering excellence with timeless design in a way few automobiles ever have.