Quiz Archive

What is it ? # 33 (UPDATE I & II)

UPDATE II (July 4 2004): "Setting the record straight about the 1935 LaSalle <> The car in the photo was correctly identified as a 1935 LaSalle model 50, but there were some errors in the "details" information... I spent about 5 years digging through specifications and misinformation before I discovered that there were actually TWO series of 1935 LaSalles made... The 1934 series 350 LaSalle was a new concept using modified 1934 Oldsmobile L series 8 cylinder components and the 119" wheelbase Olds frame and running gear... The body used many Fisher "B" body components like the Olds and Buick, but modified and assembled by Fleetwood, and carried a Fleetwood body tag... The 1934 LaSalles also used the "biplane" style bumpers as did the '34 Cadillac... The 1st TYPE '35 LaSalles were identical to the '34 LaSalle 350, except for using single blade bumpers... 1935 Cadillacs were also very little changed from the '34s, except for the single blade bumpers... But in March of 1935, a new 2nd TYPE (Model 50) LaSalle was introduced on a 120" Olds frame, with a unique 248 cu." 105 hp version of the Olds engine, and a Fisher body with a V-windshield and the new Fisher turret top on the closed bodies... The 1st and 2nd type 1935 LaSalles are completely different from one other, and few mechanical or body parts are interchangeable between the cars... Prices were cut on the new 50 series LaSalles, despite the longer wheelbase, larger engine, and increased horsepower... The body components were all Fisher, and the body tags no longer carried the Fleetwood name... So, despite the fact the '35 series 50 looks amazingly like the '34 and 1st type '35, there are considerable differences besides the bumpers... There are a lot of errors in the specifications listed for 1935 LaSalles in many publications dating from that time, as well as those printed later... I hope this information will help someone avoid the frustration and confusion I found while researching the 1935 LaSalle... PMH "

UPDATE I: As expected many came in with the right answer: 1935 LaSalle. Adding "series 50 Four Door Touring Sedan. The flat bumpers is the only real difference between the 1934 and 1935 model (1934 had the famous bi-plane bumpers)" was the most precise answer that came in. Congratulations Joseph P. McCormick! BUT, we have a second winner. OK, he was hesitating between 1934 and 1935 but was the only one to understand the meaning of our second question. Read the 'short story' that came in Saturday morning very, very early....:"I have no chance in this competition, but I've had three Martini's, very dry, and don't plan on going anywhere, so I will play. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but it certainly looks like a La Salle to me. 1934.....maybe '35. The model is a more problematic question, since the character bracing himself against the door is obscuring the bulk of the car, so, I cannot clearly identify it. He however, is the kind of guy I can identify! He is probably a little drunk in this particular shot, since he often is. He can barely stand up, that's why he is using the car as a prop in this pose. And just look at the condition of that car.....it's pathetic! Given the vintage of the other vehicles in the photo, his car was fairly new....but it's already bent and grimy and, well, it looks like my car. In fact, he looks like ME, Yoiks! OK, well, hummm, we better move on. (photo collection editor) So now, to address the other question, the one about what other car has comparable round hood openings. My immediate response was a 1930-something Peugeot Darl'Mat (USmodels.de). As I previously admitted, I'm no expert, but I do enjoy Darl'Mat's, both as a car, and for their name, so I like to mention them now and then. I suppose, were I to allow myself more time, and were I sober, I might think of an alternative choice, but I think I'll stick to this one." Thank you, Roger Bowers!

EARLIER TEXT: The last couple of weeks our competition wasn't easy. So we decided to give you a break. This one will be a pushover. Here's one of our famous poor quality snapshots, enlarged. So now we really want your replies to come in by the hundreds! Come on! Give me a load of work checking all those answers. Send the make, year and type to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and do so before Sunday 6 October, 23.59 hrs NY time. Extra: an additional question to help differentiate between equally good answers- do you know another car of another make with comparable round hood openings? Have a nice weekend!

Friday, 04 October 2002