Home»All Photographs»Automobiles As Art 1940s (free downloads)»1940 LaSalle 5019 Sedan

This 1940 LaSalle 5019 Sedan is a superbly preserved vehicle.

"General Motors created the LaSalle to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac in its lineup," stated the owner's summary at the 2012 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance. "The marquee was in production in Cadillac factories for model years 1927-40."

This beauty is a powerful 322ci flathead V-8 with 130hp, according to the summary.

"The 1940s were endowed with styling that marked a high point in the marquee's all-too-brief history," the owner's summary noted. "The longer wheelbase, torpedo-bodied cars had a sloped windshield, no belt molding, a smoother line down the rear over the trunk, more spacious interiors and larger windows.

"The distinctive grille arguably reached its pinnacle: slimmer than Cadillac's but artfully shaped and incorporating vertical bright work in the 'catwalk' areas between grille and headlamps and fully integrated with the fenders."

The owner (I don't identify owners and also blank out license-plate numbers) also said there were 24,130 LaSalles built in 1940.

"The price niche was crowded," the summary stated. "GM elected to drop LaSalle and replace it with an entry-level Cadillac for 1941.

"This example is equipped with an under-seat heater, vacuum antenna and fog lights."

My car, mascot, emblem and other vintage and classic car-related photos are free to download for noncommercial personal use.

They may not be used commercially, although I have one exception: As with all my car photos, car owners may use photos of their cars for any purpose, including commercial, that they desire, if they find photos to their liking. There is no charge for such use. Owners should think of the photos as theirs, if they find any to their liking.

It is difficult to get good photos at car shows and even in museums, without proper lighting, multiple tripods with flashes, etc.

I appreciate the cars being made available for car-lovers to photograph. I also respect the time, effort and investment they make to retain the beauty of such historically important works of art.

Please note that use of car photos does not in any way imply an owner's endorsement of such use on Flickr or on my Web site. I'm simply a professional flower photographer who also loves classic, vintage and collectible cars and really appreciate the owners who allow photos to be taken of their works of art.