Cadillac and Lasalle Club

The self-starter is the official, international publication of the Cadillac and Lasalle Club, which was established in 1958. The publication, for a brief time, was a simple newsletter, but eventually evolved into a magazine format as the Club grew. With the exception of a few early issues, the name has always been "the self-starter" in reference to the first car, a 1912 Cadillac, to have this device which eliminated the need for crank starting. Among the stated purposes of the Club is "... to develop and exchange information pertaining to cadillacs and lasalles: to maintain reference materials and other historical information relating to cadillacs and lasalles; and to promote social fellowship among the Club members." The magazine has diligently followed these guidelines, evolving to its current state - a respected publication received by 6,000+ members worldwide; for many recipients, the self-starter is their only link to the Club. The educational aspect of the self-starter is paramount. The subject, and consequent activities, stem from a car (Cadillac) first built in 1902, and a companion car (Lasalle) produced from 1927 through 1940. The education of both members and in outreach to nonmembers is another key aspect of the magazine's raison d'etre. "old cars weekly" is a prominent publication in the world car hobbyist publications. Each year, it awards a "golden quill" to the magazine/editor for outstanding journalistic effort in this field of interest. The self-starter has won this award for the past consecutive 20 years, and as recently as 2021 won the highest grade of this award, putting the publication amongst the highest of its peer group. The magazine publishes approximately seven 36-page issues and four 40-page issues per year. It is ably manned by a staff of professionals. The Club has more than adequate resources to fund the printing through dues and incremental fees from advertising. The self-starter has a history of success in its mission with no sign on the horizon of this being diminshed or diluted.

The grand national event has been held annually since 1980 (except for 2020 and 2021 which were cancelled due to covid) and is hosted by one of the regions every year. The regions are all separate, legally independent organizations. The event entails seminars, visits to historical sites, a tour of a member's car collection, and the car show judging with an awards banquet.

The Club members have gathered documentation and photographs to produce 21 authenticity manuals, with the next manual currently in production. The manuals are arranged by class of vehicle and year. The class is defined as how the vehicles are grouped and judged each year at the main event, "the grand national." For example, class 2a covers the 1924-29 Cadillac. The newest classes relate to class 5 - Lasalle 1939 series 50, class 10 - Cadillac 1939 series 60s and 1940 series 60s, 62, and 72. The next manual will cover class 28a - 1985-1993 "c" cars to class 18, 1959-1960 models.regarding documentation, emphasis is placed on Cadillac factory-produced material. This includes factory/dealer order guides, consumer brochures, parts and service manuals, etc. Cadillac-to-dealer distribution bulletins will be used as a valuable source of mid-production model or option changes. Where possible, individuals who have firsthand accounts of the design and production of this series and worked on engineering or production at the orion assembly, will be contacted.

The international membership directory is published annually. The directory is divided into three parts. Part i consists of (a) contact point - whom to call, (b) past presidents and national officers, and (c) national directors and other general information regarding members, life members, national/grant meets, and drive tours. This section includes technical aids such as clc technicians list, and how to read your body plate, body style abbreviations, serial numbers, body style data, Cadillac engine charts, etc. This section contains the Cadillac & Lasalle Club policy on judging modifieds, procedures governing grand national events, past presidents' preservation award, and senior wreath cars.part ii consists of members listing by u.s. state, canada and other countries alphabetical by last name.part iii consist of a listing of Cadillac and Lasalle automobiles by year and model. This part also includes the membership application form.