So LaSalle's styling problem was to create as much brand consistency as possibe, given the two body platforms.
Some considerations: The B-body wheelbase was 120 inches (3048 mm) for 1939, raised to 123 inches (3124 mm) for 1940. The new 1940 C-body cars had the same wheelbase. I could not find width specifications for 1940 B and C body LaSalles, though the C-body version had wider seats.
The Gallery contains images of LaSalles built on the two platforms. B-body LaSalles were Model 50s, and C-body based cars were Model 52 Specials. All images below are of cars listed for sale.
This is on the 120-inch wheelbase.
The 3-inches (76 mm) added length was placed just forward of the cowling. Compare front door forward cutlines to the aft edges of the front fenders.
An example of the new C-body LaSalle.
Comparing the sedans from a right-front quarter viewpoint.
These images suggest that the 50s and 52 Specials shared the same front ends. Actually, that was not quite so. The extreme fronts -- grilles, headlight assemblies, bumper and such appear to be identical. So do the air vents on the side of the hood. The next two images indicate some differences forward of the cowling.
Compare the front fender profile with that of the car below.
The C-body LaSalle front fender is more rounded at the rear than on B-bodies, though their fronts seem to have the same profile.
Now consider hoods.
LaSalle 52 hoods have greater-radius side curves. Side air vents seem the be the same in size, shape and placement. But the B-body car's hood has flatter sides and its horizontal cut line appears to be slightly higher; the 52's cutline is atop the air vents and intersects the vertical grille at a lower point.
No comments:
Post a Comment