Description
The Graham Hollywood was one of the most distinctive American cars of the early 1940s, notable not only for its advanced styling but also for its unusual origins. Introduced for the 1940 model year, it was the final car produced by the Graham-Paige company, a firm that had built a reputation through the 1920s and 1930s for well-engineered, stylish automobiles. The Hollywood stood out as a unique combination of innovation, resourcefulness, and timing—arriving just as the independent Graham marque was nearing its end.
The Hollywood’s story began when Graham acquired the body dies from the defunct Cord 810/812, the legendary front-wheel-drive car designed by Gordon Buehrig and built by the Auburn Automobile Company. These dies formed the basis of the new Graham model, which was re-engineered for rear-wheel drive and fitted with more conventional mechanicals. The result was a striking car that carried much of the Cord’s dramatic “coffin nose” design, complete with its long, low hood, hidden headlights, and smooth, aerodynamic silhouette—features that were years ahead of their time in the late 1930s.
Visually, the Graham Hollywood was unlike almost anything else on the road. The sleek, streamlined bodywork, low roofline, and gracefully curved fenders gave it a look of elegance and motion even when standing still. The distinctive grille design and the absence of external running boards emphasized modernity, while the hidden headlights—a rarity for the era—gave it an air of sophistication. Its design was often described as futuristic, bridging the stylistic gap between the art deco influences of the 1930s and the cleaner lines of the 1940s.
Inside, the Hollywood offered a cabin that was both comfortable and stylish for its time. The dashboard featured a symmetrical, modern layout with large gauges and chrome detailing. Seating was broad and well-cushioned, providing room for five passengers. The level of trim depended on the model, but even the base versions had an upscale feel, reflecting Graham’s commitment to producing a car that combined luxury with performance.
Mechanically, the Hollywood was available with two engine options: a 217.8 cubic inch (3.6-litre) six-cylinder engine producing around 90 horsepower, and a supercharged version of the same engine delivering about 120 horsepower. The supercharged model continued Graham’s legacy of building some of the earliest and most accessible supercharged cars in America, offering strong acceleration and performance for the era. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission, and the car’s relatively low stance and advanced suspension made it handle better than many of its contemporaries.
Despite its advanced design and innovative engineering, the Graham Hollywood faced insurmountable challenges. The company was already in financial trouble when the car was launched, and production was limited by the costs of retooling the Cord body for rear-wheel drive. Additionally, the onset of World War II and the shift of American industry toward military production meant that only a few thousand Hollywoods were ever built—estimates suggest between 1,500 and 2,000 units in total before Graham ceased automobile production in 1941.
Today, the Graham Hollywood is considered one of the most fascinating and collectible American cars of its era. Its combination of Cord heritage, aerodynamic styling, and supercharged performance make it a standout among prewar classics. It is admired both as an example of resourceful design—reusing one of the most beautiful car bodies ever made—and as a symbol of the end of an independent American automaker that once dared to innovate boldly. Elegant, rare, and historically significant, the Graham Hollywood remains a captivating testament to a period of transition and creativity in American automotive history.