Introduced in 1927, the LaSalle was intended by General Motors to fill a perceived gap in the model range between Buick and Cadillac. Handsomely styled by Harley Earl, the LaSalle inspired General Motors to establish a separate division known as 'Art and Color' responsible for automotive styling, naturally with Earl at the helm. Built by Cadillac to the same high quality standards, the LaSalle employed an advanced 303cu in V-8 engine developing 75 horsepower, offering exceptional performance. For 1929, Cadillac offered further technical improvements on the LaSalle, introducing synchromesh on second and top gears along with safety glass. Mechanical changes included Duplex mechanical brakes, pressure lubrication on the piston pins and mid-year metric spark plugs were adopted.

Built on two wheelbase lengths (125 and 134 inches), the 1929 LaSalle was offered with a wide variety of bodywork, chiefly from Fisher although Fleetwood did produce some higher priced versions. On 1929