1940 Graham Model 108

The Graham Brothers (Joseph, Robert, and Ray) started off building truck and bus bodies. They signed an exclusive agreement to use Dodge running gear in 1921, becoming the largest manufacturer of trucks in the world by the mid-1920s. After they split with Dodge in April of 1926, the Graham Brothers turned their attention to building automobiles, catapulting their efforts forward by acquiring the struggling Paige-Detroit Motor Car Co. in June 1927. They quickly built a reputation for quality motor cars and sales continued to climb.

Despite the devastating effects of the Great Depression, Graham-Paige released a number of influential models in the 1930s featuring several innovations, including the banjo-type rear axle in 1932 and a crank-driven supercharger in 1934.

In need of all-new designs and styling, as the 1930s were coming to a close, Graham tasked body builder Murray Corporation's chief designer, Amos E. Northup, with penning the streamlined and modern designs. Northup's resume while working for Murray included the 1931 REO Royale Eight, the Willys 77, and Graham's Blue Streak of 1932. Sadly, Northup passed away (October 23, 1889 – February 8, 1937) leaving the design to be completed in-house. The styling created a sense of motion, personified by its piercing front grille section. Introduced in 1938, the 'Spirit of Motion' styling was soon nicknamed by the public as the Sharknose Graham. This 'sharknose' design was offered in four series that included the Standard, Special, Supercharged, and Custom Supercharged. The 1938 through 1940 Graham models rested on a 120-inch wheelbase, had hydraulic drum brakes, and were powered by six-cylinder engines in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise. Prices ranged from $940 to $1,300. The naturally-aspirated version produced 90 horsepower while the supercharged version developed 116 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021