1940 LaSalle Custom Business Coupe: A Carrera Panamericana Survivor

The 1940 LaSalle Custom Business Coupe represents the final year for the Cadillac-companion brand, making it a rare prize for collectors even in stock form. However, this specific example has transcended its luxury origins to become a decorated competitor in the world of vintage rallying. Having secured a 3rd-place class finish at the prestigious 2015 Carrera Panamericana, the vehicle has since undergone a significant mechanical rework to enhance its performance on the stage. Now crossing the block at Glendale 2026, this LaSalle offers a unique opportunity to own a street-legal racing machine with a verified competitive pedigree and high-end modern engineering.

Aerodynamic Rally Styling and Gray Combat Aesthetic

The exterior of this LaSalle is finished in a purposeful Gray, retaining the classic silhouette while integrating functional racing hardware for the open road. Performance-driven details are evident throughout the bodywork, including a custom mesh grille, draw latches for the hood and trunk, and quarter-window air scoops. The rear roll pan was professionally fabricated and joined to the fenders, housing a recessed license plate box and modern LED taillights. Side exhaust pipes with perforated heat shields featuring “LaSalle” script provide a visceral auditory experience, while Halibrand-style American Racing wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires ensure the car maintains a commanding stance on any surface.

Race-Ready Cockpit with Modern Comfort

The interior has been completely transformed into a professional rally cockpit, featuring a full roll cage with window nets and Recaro seats paired with RaceQuip harnesses. Despite its competitive focus, the cabin includes thoughtful amenities like a Vintage Air climate control system and extensive sound-deadening material throughout. The dashboard is accented with carbon fiber trim and houses a Sunpro 10,000-rpm tachometer alongside a center stack of auxiliary gauges. Structural door panels constructed from ribbed aluminum sheet emphasize the car’s weight-saving mission. Technology is not forgotten, as a backup camera and an E-Stopp emergency brake provide modern convenience during transit between racing stages.

Fuel-Injected 427 CI V-8 and Tremec 5-Speed Authority

Mechanical dominance is provided by a 427 CI Blueprint Engines V-8, modernized with FAST electronic fuel injection for consistent delivery under various elevations and temperatures. This high-output plant utilizes a 4-into-1 header system and a stainless-steel dual exhaust with electrically actuated cutouts to bypass the Walker Quiet-Flow mufflers. Power is routed through a Tremec TKO 5-speed manual transmission to a heavy-duty 9-inch full-floating rear end. While horsepower and torque figures are maintained as factory benchmarks for the Blueprint 427 series, the inclusion of an Accusump oil accumulator and dual MSD ignition modules ensures this LaSalle can withstand the rigors of sustained high-speed competition.

Technical Specifications

A Re-Engineered Asset with Proven Reliability

This 1940 LaSalle Custom Business Coupe stands as a premier investment for those seeking a vintage vehicle that can actually be driven to its limits. The chassis features a Mustang II-style front end and a triangulated 4-link rear setup, providing the geometry necessary for modern handling precision. Wilwood pedals with adjustable brake bias allow the driver to fine-tune the stopping performance of the Baer 6-piston calipers. Titled as a 1940 Cadillac, this car bridges the gap between historical significance and the pro-touring movement. Its history in the Carrera Panamericana provides a level of durability testing that few custom builds can claim, making it a reliable choice for future rallies or high-speed touring.

The Ultimate Expression of High-Speed Heritage

This LaSalle is a definitive example of a “no-expense-spared” build that prioritizes function as much as form. From the high-revving 427 V-8 to the meticulously fabricated rear roll pan, every component serves a purpose in the pursuit of speed. It represents the peak of what the LaSalle platform can achieve when paired with modern racing technology and a vision for long-distance durability. Whether destined for another run south of the border or to be the centerpiece of a restomod collection, it delivers an experience that is as historically rich as it is mechanically thrilling. This 1940 Business Coupe is a true athlete of the road, ready for its next competitive chapter.

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Source: mecum.com