1941 Graham Hollywood restomod with an All-Mopar Powertrain and A/C

910036

26,692

Chrysler LA 340-cu.in. OHV V-8

Automatic

White Mica

Tan leather

Private

Reserve

The two surviving Graham brothers lurched into automotive oblivion in 1941, but not before building some memorable cars. Late in its existence as a manufacturer, Graham – the “Paige” was gone in 1930 – entered into a joint venture with another struggling marque, Hupmobile, to build cars using the castoff body dies from the Gordon Buehrig-designed Cord 810 and 812. The resulting Graham-branded automobile was called the Hollywood. By most estimates, somewhere around 1,500 Hollywoods were built during the model’s two-year lifespan, an estimated 350 of them titled as 1941 models. Despite their relationship to cars of Cord, the restyled nose and exposed headlamps led them to be embraced warmly by modifiers. According to some guesstimates, a higher percentage of Graham Hollywoods were transformed into customs and hot rods than any other American car. This car exemplifies that reality. It was already transformed into a street custom when the seller acquired it 10 years ago. With a Chrysler-sourced performance powertrain and a thoroughly modernized interior, this Graham stands as a unique specialty car.

POWERTRAIN

Once powered by a Continental-built straight-six, this Hollywood now hustles with a Chrysler-built LA-series 340-cubic-inch small-block V-8, the same performance engine that was installed in numerous Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Unlike the 273, 318 and 360-cubic-inch variants, all 340s were high-performance engines. None were ever destined for station wagons. The specific age and rebuild history of this engine is unknown. It now receives fuel from an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, which sits atop an Edelbrock intake manifold. The long-block assembly is finished in matte black, with matching rocker covers. A billet accessory drive can be seen beneath the hood, along with a chromed dual-circuit master cylinder and an aftermarket aluminum radiator with an integral transmission cooler and electric fan. The engine is said to idle smoothly without smoke. The TorqueFlite automatic is described as shifting smoothly, and is linked to a Chrysler 8¾-inch rear. Minor fluid leaks from the powertrain are noted. The engine bay presentation is clean.

EXTERIOR

The seller does not know precisely when the bodywork and paint on this vehicle were completed, but believes the customization dates to the 1990s. The seller says there is no rust on the car. The paint is said to have held up very well, with no scratches or dents on the body, and chipping only at the bottom edges of the fenders, which are generally out of onlookers’ sight. Some contrasting pinstriping is present on the body. The chrome, including original Hollywood callouts on the hood sides, looks to be in excellent condition, with no evidence of pitting. This Hollywood now rides on 1970s-style Chrysler Rallye wheels with trim rings. The car’s glass is said to be in good condition and free of cracks. All the exterior lighting works properly. Underneath, the car is generally clean, with only minor surface corrosion in a few locations.

INTERIOR

The renovation of this Hollywood’s interior is believed to also date to the 1990s. Cadillac leather seating is present; dual power-adjustable seats are at the front and said to be fully functional. The Hollywood has matching interior door panels with pull handles. The seating appears to be in excellent condition with no signs of excessive wear. The brown carpeting is described as being in very good condition, with no rips or wear holes. The headliner appears to be in generally good shape. The painted dashboard has a central aluminum instrument surround that is filled with VDO analog gauges, all of which function accurately, according to the seller. No interior trim is missing. This Hollywood is fitted with aftermarket air conditioning that uses under-dash vents, and is operational and blows cold. A custom wood-rimmed steering wheel has a Graham center button. The carpeted trunk presents very strongly.

CHASSIS

Chrysler components were used throughout this Hollywood’s reinterpretation. The chassis now uses front torsion bar suspension. The car’s aftermarket power steering is said to function well, with no leaks. The braking functions are said to be excellent. No issues are reported with the shock absorbers or other suspension components. The Custom 428 all-season radials are said to have nearly all their tread life available.

DOCUMENTATION

This vehicle will be sold on a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name. All service and upkeep have been performed by the seller, who put minimal miles on the Hollywood during his time of ownership. This unique custom 1941 Graham Hollywood has been completed with a high standard of workmanship, and is said to be ready for immediate enjoyment.

PHOTOS