LaSalle history 1939 and Books

The Series 39-50 replaced the 38-50

The 1939 LaSalle had a new tall narrow grille plus waterfall side grilles below the headlights
The hood louver panel was shorter and did not extend to the front of the hood
The headlights were attached to the sides of the radiator casing again
The greenhouse was increased by 25%
Closed sedans were available with "Sunshine turret Top."
Chrome reveals appeared on all windows and the windshield.
All except the lower front door hinge were concealed.
Runningboards had become a no cost option
Chassis changes included
- Four inch shorter wheelbase
- tube and fin in place of cellular radiator core
- vacuum for crankcase ventilation generated by motion of the car rather than by engine intake system
- new cross-link steering hookup

I.D. DATA

STYLE

ENGINE

CHASSIS

DRIVETRAIN

OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

1939 LaSalle Notes

1939 Automotive Notes

William S. Knudsen was president of GM
Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. was chairman of the board at GM
Powell Crosley, Jr. introduces the Bantam Crosley
Ford introduces the Mercury
Studebaker introduces the Champion
Last year for Packard's V-12
Ford finally adopts hydraulic brakes
Chevrolet introduces a vacuum-operated gearshift
Chrysler introduces Windsor, New Yorker, and Saratoga
Chrysler moves headlights into the fenders
Chrysler introduces a fluid-coupling powertrain (Fluid Drive) for Imperial
Chrysler develops the "Super-finish" method of mirror-finishing engine or chassis parts with no scratches deeper than 0.0000254mm, which helps cut friction
Pontiac introduces "Duflex" rear springs with smaller auxiliary leaf springs
Packard builds marine engines for U.S. Navy PT boats
White builds Army scout cars

Top model year production for 1939

1939 LASALLE