If the 1941 Graham Hollywood looks familiar, that’s because its roots lie in the 1937-38 Cord 810/812. It was built under contract with the makers of the Huppmobile, who had acquired the production dies of the Cord. The car was only made for one year and could have seen just 1,500 copies. This one wears an older restoration and may only need a little bit of mechanical tinkering. Our thanks to Barn Finder T.J. for this tip. The Hollywood is in North San Juan, California, and is a seldom-seen car that you might enjoy. It’s available here on craigslist for $22,000.
Graham-Paige was in the auto manufacturing business from 1927 to 1940, shifting to military work during World War II. Needing a shot in the arm to stay alive, the company struck an arrangement with Hupp Motor Co. to build a Graham-badged version of the Hupp Skylark, something of a successor to the famed Cords of the late 1930s. Graham’s car was named the Hollywood and – while it shared much of the good looks of the Cord – it omitted some of the Cord’s special touches (like the hood, front fenders, and headlights). The Hollywood was a 4-door sedan with “suicide” doors.
The Hollywood had a 218 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine and was available with a supercharger, as is the case with the seller’s nice example. This automobile was restored some time ago but has low mileage on its rebuilt engine. Changes from stock include converting to a 12-volt electrical system and moving the transmission shifter (3-speed) from the column to the floor. It’s said to run well but makes an occasional weird noise on turns and the throw-out bearing may need attention.
We don’t see any rust or issues with the body and paint that would require attention. The interior is far from perfect, so you could redo it as the opportunity and funds permit. In the meantime, this would be an unusual car to drive on weekends and show it off just the way it is. And the cost of acquiring the Graham is far less than what a Cord 810 or 812 would set you back.
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Lovely car but I sure wouldn’t want to back it up in a parking lot … lol
Good looking for a four door.
Cool looking custom/hot rod Graham in the latest issue of HOT ROD magazine.
Oh, please …
American Pickers
Seeing that engine picture reminded me of just how far technology has advanced in the automotive world.
Russ, you skipped over the biggest difference between the Skylark/Hollywood and the Cord 810/812 – the Skylark and Hollywood were rear-drive.
There was an excellent article on these years ago in Collectible Automobile magazine. Cord’s tooling was apparently a nightmare, with a multi-piece roof that had to be welded and finished. This caused production delays which eroded public confidence. By the time a single-piece roof was developed, it was too late to save the cars.
It was my understanding that stamping dies/press capacities were the underlying need for multi-piece roofs in that period (?)
By 36 there were large enough presses and dies, but only the bigger companies could afford them at the time. Labor was still cheap, but they couldn’t buy more time to make things work out.
Saw one being restored in a shop in the 80’s. Shop foreman told me the customer picked up the car after the bodywork was done, and drove off using a milk crate for a seat. Fell off the seat, crashed into a tree and totaled it. No more car.
This wouldn’t have happened if he had just fastened his treet belt.
Ba Ba Bing
Considering practicality, I would have a Graham over the Cord.
My dad had the Cord version shortly because of the troubles with U joints.
This car is a great example and I like the interior as is.
They had to retool the body molds to create a drive shaft tunnel to adjust from a front wheel drive vehicle to a rear one.
I was not aware of this car, although I loved the looks of the Cord. I don’t know how people could see anything through those small rear windows.
Couldn’t see a lot out of the front windscreen either with that very wide centre piece.
What was really hard to see out of were the back windows on those cars of 10 and 20 years ago that were all skunked up high in the back ends. I’m sure glad that fad has ended.
Fascinating automotive history.
I have a 41 Graham Hollywood project. I also have a 36 Cord Westchester project. At 73 I may not be able to finish. Great winter projects for here in Alaska
I have a Graham Hollywood project and a 36 Cord Westchester. Great winter projects for up here in Alaska. At 73 I’m running out of birthdays to finish