For Sale: 1937 Graham Series 116 in Saint Louis, Missouri

In 1927, the Graham brothers-Joseph, Robert, and Ray-embarked on producing automobiles independently, purchasing the Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company for $3.5 million. With this acquisition, they launched Graham-Paige, initially offering six- and eight-cylinder vehicles. The brand quickly earned a reputation for quality and innovation, with early success in both sales and motorsports. Notably, the Graham emblem featured profiles of the three brothers, reflecting their unified leadership and vision. Early Grahams proved their mettle at the racetracks of the world, including at storied venues like the Brooklands circuit, and the firm employed the likes of Ray Dietrich to fine tune the handsome styling.
Graham-Paige set itself apart by manufacturing most of its car bodies and engines, resolving previous supply challenges by acquiring the Wayne Body Company and expanding its production capabilities. While some vehicles utilized Continental engines, Graham-Paige primarily relied on its own engineering department for powertrain development. This commitment to in-house design was particularly evident in their famed "Blue Streak" models, designed by Amos Northup in 1932. These cars featured groundbreaking elements such as fully enclosed fenders and innovative chassis engineering, which significantly influenced future automotive designs.
Graham's technical advancements were industry leading. The 1932 "Blue Streak" design incorporated a 'banjo' frame that allowed for a wider body and innovative suspension geometry, which other manufacturers later adopted. In 1934, Graham introduced an in-house designed crankshaft-driven supercharger. Designed by assistant chief engineer F.F. Kishline, the Graham blower was a centrifugal unit, and unabashedly patterned after that of the Duesenberg. First fitted to their straight-eight engines on their 1934 Custom 8 model, it was then available on their six-cylinder Series 110 beginning in 1936; by that point, their straight-eight was no longer being made. And truth be told, they didn't really need the eight-cylinder engine because the addition of the supercharger made the smaller straight-six perform equally well, but with two less cylinders which made the car lighter, handle better, steer easier and be quite fuel efficient; it achieved 23.95 MPG during the Gilmore Economy Run, winning its class. Over the years, Graham became a leader in supercharged car production, holding the distinction until surpassed by Buick in the 1990s.
Despite initial resilience during the Great Depression, Graham-Paige's sales waned by the late 1930s. However, its design legacy persisted, with notable models like the "Spirit of Motion" and Hollywood frequently misunderstood to house Continental engines, though they utilized proprietary Graham-Paige designs.
This unique Graham cabriolet was shipped to Europe as a supercharged chassis with cowl, front clip, and rear fenders to be custom bodied as a 2/3-seater cabriolet by Worblaufen of Switzerland. Carrosserie Worblaufen may be a lesser-known coachbuilding firm, yet they enjoyed a quiet reputation for superb quality craftsmanship and tasteful, understated design. Fritz Ramseier founded the firm in 1929 in his home village of Worblaufen and was joined by his brothers Earnst and Hans, who assisted with sales and running the workshop, respectively. Their early work consisted mainly of drophead versions of humble Opels, Renaults, and Peugeots, but soon, a more sophisticated clientele came calling. Before long, chassis from Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Isotta-Fraschini were dotted throughout the workshop.
The car was delivered new in Switzerland and was discovered in 1983 by Alain Berrabah of Renens, Switzerland. The one-off Graham had been slumbering in a Swiss barn since 1959, and upon discovery several birds and spiders had made it their home. Berrabah immediately began a restoration, and in a scant eighteen months, he had it back on the road. He would go on to own the car until 2007 before beingacquired by Swiss dealer and car hunter, Christoph Grohe, who sold the car to its most recent owner in America. After 70 years in Switzerland, the Graham was returned to the city of its birth. A painstaking restoration soon followed and was completed in 2009.
Today, chassis134972 presents in stunning condition in the elegant livery of black over a lush tan interior. Paint and body quality are exceptional, the car having been preserved in superlative condition since its restoration. Fit and finish are outstanding, and the brightwork presents in fine order. Ever so sleek with its waterfall grille and five distinctive, and functional, hood vents, lack of running boards, suicide doors, polished belt molding that wraps around the rear of the car, coupled with its beautifully sloping top that lend a particular subdued elegance to this exquisite automobile. Worblaufen coachwork is highly regarded for its impressive quality, which is apparent throughout.
The cockpit is a masterwork in restrained art-deco detailing, from the lovely chrome spears on the door cards, to the two large instruments symmetricallyflanking the smaller gauges, and lest you forgot, a "Supercharger"badge right in the center. The seating surfaces show only the slightest creasing from use but remain supple and beautifully presented. The rear seat, designed for one person is quite usable for an additional passenger, making this a fine choice for touring or concours events alike.
The original, matching-numbers engine (number 139762) features the aforementioned supercharger and is mated to a conventionally shifted three-speed transmission. In keeping with the rest of this car, the engine is beautifully detailed with proper finishes, correct hardware and correctly presented ancillaries. Accompanying the sale of the car is a copy of a letter from Fritz Ramseier attesting to the original build, and the car has received Full Classic� status by the CCCA, a testament to the car's design and importance.
Of the approximately 45 known examples of Worblaufen coachwork extant, this marvelous Graham is certainly one of the standouts. It is a beautiful machine that combines the best restrained Swiss aesthetics and reliable American underpinnings in a beautifully crafted package.

Offers welcome and trades considered