The LaSalle was created when General Motors President Alfred M. Sloan spotted a void between the high-end Cadillac and Buick. Legendary GM designer Harley Earl was brought to the company to design the first LaSalle (1927) and shortly thereafter formed the first design department, initially known as the Art and Colour Department.This is a very significant LaSalle for two reasons: it is a one-of-a-kind automobile and remains in its original unrestored condition. It retains its original paint, upholstery and top. This Cadillac LaSalle Sport Phaeton was specially ordered for Doctor Nichols of York Harbor, Maine who was the original owner. LaSalle Sport Phaeton was not an available body style and this was a one-off special order.The car was found in the late 1950s by a major car collector Willard Pike who kept the car for a coupe of years before trading it to Richard Paine for a Duesenberg J437, the Taper Tail.Paine kept the car until the late 1970s before selling it to another major collector who kept the car for 30 years until it was purchased by the current owners.Although the fenders have been repainted, the car still retains its original paint work on the body, its original interior, original top and side curtains.
