What on earth is that thing?!? Here’s one that raises a lot of questions—is it a car? A train? Why? When? Huh?!? So how about a round of Barn Finds 20 13 Questions…all aboard!
1. What is it? It’s a 1929 Graham-Paige “Sound Train,” of course! Duh!
2. Where is it? Metaphysically speaking, it’s here on eBay. In the not-so-meta physical realm, it’s in Hillsboro, Oregon.
3. How much to make it mine? Starting bid is at $25,000—and no takers yet. But really, what price could you possibly put on something so, er, unique?
4. Okay, let’s try that “What is it” thing again. Who made this beast? Well, it started life as a Graham-Paige limousine. It was delivered to the H.O. McGee Manufacturing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana where it was converted into one of roughly sixteen “trackless trains” or “motor car trains”—essentially cars made to look like locomotives—built between 1917 and 1930.
5. Who would have wanted such a thing? Hollywood, of course! Paramount Pictures was the largest buyer of McGee’s “trackless trains,” this time in the form of “sound trains” to promote its chain of Publix Theaters.
6-7. Sound trains? Like to promote talking pictures? That’s what I guessed at first, too, but no—in this case, “sound” refers to the massive public address systems that the cars originally carried, for playing music or broadcasting the arrival of a Paramount star promoting his or her new movie at a Publix Theater.
8. They actually made movie stars ride in this? Yup! That nifty little platform on the back was a great place to be seen by an adoring throng of fans, while the journey to or from the theater could be made in comfort in the largely unmodified limousine interior. If you were small enough, they might even make you ride on the little jumpseats mounted on each front fender.
9. So how many of the sixteen are left? It looks like about four or five, all Graham-Paige sound trains like this one, are still out there. One was sold by Hyman a few years ago, and another was a common sight around San Diego-area events at one point.
10. This one looks pretty rough. What’s its condition? Pretty rough, indeed, but it does run. Most of the interior is gone, and the seller admits that “a lot of the body wood needs to be replaced.” It is claimed to be drivable, but without working brakes, so I’m not sure how that works. Nor does the electrical system function beyond starting the engine.
11. Where have I seen that front seat before? If you’ve spent any time in a 1996-2001 Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager, it’ll look familiar. Who knew it would be a perfect fit for a 1929 Graham Paige?
12. What’s under the hood? Originally, it would have been an inline-eight of Graham-Paige’s own design. This one, however, is running what is believed to be a Studebaker flathead six, mated to a four-speed manual. Not exactly a recipe for speed, but then, neither was the original in a vehicle of this size.
13. How restorable is something like this? With enough dedication and money, I’m sure you could pull something off, but it won’t be easy. No two sound trains were exactly alike, and this one’s already had many of its train-specific components—all of the lights, the bell, and the whistle—replaced with non-original parts. Original documentation is scarce; someone tracked down Harry McGee’s son in 1975 and made copies of some of the original photos he had at that time, but it’s doubtful that much else has survived. Still, the sheetmetal is said to be mostly sound, and much of the wood that needs to be replaced is still present and could be used as a template, so there’s at least a starting point—and a fascinating story—to go from here.
Any further questions? Drop them in the comments!
There’s pictures of the remaining sound trains on images and this one is included. There’s a few pic’s of this car in a time where it is in better shape. I know it could be brought back to factory original but those cars are already around in greater numbers than this. I think it should be restored back to its Hollywood splender the other three are restored and look magnificent especially the black one. I’d restore all the brass work as well as having the cattle catcher brass plated too. Of course this is not a car that your going to bring out every day which in some ways makes it a bit useless but on special occasions it would be great. I’d build a trailer to look like a coal car with rows of seats in it just for parade day. The parade organizers would be calling you every year to fill a spot in the parade ranks. You’d be a hit at the car shows too, but you’re going to need a large garage to store it “because it is big”….!! I love this era of car right on up to the 50’s very differant and unusual find.
Being the purist I am, there isn’t enough of the original Graham-Paige left, so all this is, is an oddity with some history. $25K opening bid? I’d be very surprised if this garners any bids beyond that figure. A waste of time, effort and money is all I see. Park it out by the street in front of an auto parts store or salvage yard maybe; that’s about it.
THIS would make a STELLAR hot rod with a giant early Ahrens Fox Diesel engine or the like.
very cool history.
If I had Jay Leno money, I’d be all over this! It doesn’t get much better than true vintage weirdness!
I wonder if Jay knows about this. Seems right up his alley!
I can visualize Munchkins riding on the fenders…
This is more Hollywood memorabilia than vintage car. I would expect a potential buyer to be from that world. If it could be tied to specific films or actors, that would increase its appeal and its value by quite a bit, I think.
DeVoe has one in his museum in Tallahassee, FL. It was for sale near me in Jacksonville years ago in original good condition for $ 25K. Supposedly Billie Burke, who played the good witch in the Wizard of Oz had ridden in it. The Paramount Pictures logo was etched into the back windows. We had it on display under the category, “What Were They Thinking” at the Ame;lia Island Concours many years ago. Neat car, when restored, but then, the restoration costs may be many times more than it is worth. Interesting piece, but………
Bill Warner
Founder and Chairman
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Ok …. I like this but the whole time I’m reading this, the song Love Train by the O’Jays kept playing in my head!!
Neat piece of history!
Undo,,,UNDO!!!( too late, I know) This, or very similar, was the magnificent automobile they butchered.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/carphotosbyrichard/24551516911/
I am having trouble selling my wife’s Toyota mini van. It’s a good van and well priced. I cannot imagine trying to move this thing where the number of interested parties in a world of 5 billion must be down to the single digits.
Where’s Don Cornelius when you need him? (Youngsters go get all googly).
you’ve set this up very well, Nathan. Thanks (esp 4 links).
Perfect vehicle for a Train Clown
It belongs at “The House On The Rock” in Wisconsin, where it will be among friends!
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/house-rock
I seem to remember one of these showing up at various Massachusetts antique auto shows back in the 1970’s. Anyone else recall that?
“Thomas The Tank Engine’s Drunk Uncle”
“Thomas The Tank Engine’s Drunk Uncle”
Have never seen or heard of one of these, Very cool history lesson.
I suspect the price is optimistic, But stranger things have happened. I live about 45 minutes from this,,, There is lots of wealthy hollywood types who have homes in this area, or spend time here. There are a few shops who could do this justice, Would love to see it restored, Sooner or later it will find a home.
**NOTE, the original linked auction ended but its been relisted,
See: https://www.ebay.com/itm/163264833660?ViewItem=&vxp=mtr&item=163264833660
This would make a great parade car, or ride car at a fair maybe, cannot think of much else, no wait, how about a stump speech car for our illustrious leader! I know, no political commentary, sorry.
If I had the cash, I would be all over this! I would restore it back to its glory days.