Located near PORTLAND, OREGON.
In 1927, Joseph, Robert and Ray Graham purchased the Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company, becoming “Graham-Paige.” Wanting to make their mark as an independent in the auto world, they set out to design cars that were radically different than the “Big Three” (GM, Ford and Chrysler.)
By 1939, the Grahams attracted the Hupmobile Company with a partnership to produce cars based on the famous design of Gordon Buehrig and his 810/812 Cord of 1936-37. The result was christened the Graham Hollywood.
The body design is identical to the Cord, being built from the same tooling. The biggest change came in the hood and front-end. While the Cord was revolutionary with their front-wheel-drive, the Graham maintained a rear-wheel-drive design. By not having the transmission and drive system up-front, the overall length of the Graham could be shortened by 10 inches. Also, since the Cord retracting headlights were a patented design, Graham used more conventional (and less radical) exposed headlights. The result was a clean, smooth and stylish car unlike anything else on the road at the time.
When introduced in 1940, the Graham Hollywood was a hit with the public. However, production lagged behind demand and only approximately 850 were built in 1940 and just 350 in 1941. World War II sealed the fate of Graham automobile production and the unique Graham Hollywood faded into history.
This rare surviving 1941 Graham Hollywood underwent a full off-the-frame, nut-and-bolt restoration and upgrade using only the finest materials and craftsmanship. Literally no expense was spared to make this car a standout on the road and the show field.
The body is flawless, finished in Sage Green with subtle hand painted accents and striping on the sides and rear. The chrome and trim are bright and sparkling. The interior is beautifully finished with tan Connolly leather, stitched by a master craftsman, including custom-sewn “Graham Hollywood” accents on the front and rear seat backs; all accented by tan wool carpeting and headliner. Bronze tinted glass installed all-around.
Please see photos which were just taken for this listing and show current condition and details.
The dashboard is fitted with vintage-style VDO gauges, along with Clarion RDB425D AM/FM/CD stereo and Sanyo Audio Spec auto-reverse cassette player. Vintique modern Air Conditioning and Heating system keeps the cabin comfortable in all weather. Tilt steering column with custom-finished tan leather steering wheel. Fully finished and carpeted trunk.
The powertrain has been upgraded with a small block 350 Chevy V8 with Turbo 350 automatic transmission, Ford 9 inch rear-end and Chevelle front disc power brakes. Fully re-wired 12 volt electrical including automatic cooling fan for the custom radiator. Master battery shut-off. Stainless exhaust system and dual pipes with a mellow tone. Custom 20 gallon fuel tank. Newer wide whitewall radial tires wrap body-color-matched wheels with chrome trim rings and custom hubcaps. Spotless undercarriage.
This Graham starts easily, runs smoothly with great power and torque when needed. The current owner has driven this car to shows and for pleasure approximately 3,100 miles during their ownership.
Please see video of engine running.
This Graham is truly the best of both worlds: unique classic styling of a legendary marque, combined with modern mechanicals for the roads of today. I will say that I have represented hundreds of vintage automobiles over the years and this is one of the finest restorations/builds I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning and all done to the highest level throughout.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.