Plenty of LaSalle love from Down Under

Being helpful. That’s the purpose editor John Byrden sticks with in every issue of Sallee Speaks, publication of the LaSalle Appreciation Society. He has a worldwide scope, too, all centered on LaSalles. Little wonder, since Byrden is based in Australia, but has loads of U.S. input.

With the world as his beat, Byrden admirably covers the field. A recent issue included upgrades to a 1940, examination of two museum gems from 1931 and 1933, internet finds, recent pricing on models, a major auction, how a member found the LaSalle of his dreams when reducing the field to potential models of select years, LaSalle treasure hunting on eBay, crankshafts, plus news on acquisitions in Germany and Great Britain. But the reader’s attention is focused on two points.

The first is made on the cover picture shown here. Chapter director Jack Hotz was frustrated with his 1937 LaSalle. He advises not to rush into a restoration project. “Consult me if you plan on a restoration, because I did everything you should not do when I attacked this project,” he said.

The experienced restoration shop seemed a good choice, but Byrden found that the shop used “a couple high school boys on summer break” for the dirty work. When he decided to switch to another shop, he found precious parts were heaped in a storage space. Work at the second shop was just OK, so he moved the remains to a third shop, which has done a fantastic job. Learn from the experience of others.

The second point is the simple fact that this 28-page publication, operating on a tight budget, admirably earned a 2021 Golden Quill Award from the editorial staff of Old Cars, and proudly promoted the achievement.