65-Years-Family-Owned 1940 Graham Hollywood Project

Description

The 1940 Graham Hollywood resulted from Graham‑Paige’s efforts to stabilize its automotive operations at the end of the 1930s. After discontinuing the advanced but slow‑selling “Sharknose” series, the company obtained the body dies of the discontinued Cord 810/812 from the Auburn Automobile Company. These dies were adapted for a conventional front‑engine, rear‑drive layout, creating the Hollywood’s distinctive fastback form. The model was introduced for the 1940 model year with a choice of naturally-aspirated or supercharged six‑cylinder engines, continuing Graham’s long use of supercharging technology. Production remained limited due to the company’s reduced financial capacity, and Graham terminated automobile manufacturing in September 1940.

This particular 1940 Graham Hollywood has remained within the same family since 1960 and retains major original body and interior components. Mechanical updates were installed to improve roadworthiness, including a 1956 Chevrolet 265ci V8 engine, a three‑speed manual transmission with overdrive sourced from a 1959 pickup, and a 1960s Pontiac rear axle. Additional work includes brake servicing and crossmember modifications for powertrain installation. The vehicle is reportedly operable, but requires further mechanical and interior restoration, including brake pressure correction, completion of floorboards and headliner, and refurbishment of the interior door panels.

This rare 1940 Graham Hollywood project is now offered with some spare body panels, additional spare parts, and a clean Washington state title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Owned by same family since 1960

• One of only 1,859 1940 Graham Hollywood models produced

• Retains factory body and much of the factory interior

• Running and driving project

Factory Equipment

• Body derived from Cord 810/812 dies

• Four-door five-passenger streamlined fastback styling

• Pioneering unibody-style construction

• Conventional rear‑wheel drive

• Original drum brake system

Modifications

• 1956 Chevrolet 265ci V8

• Three‑speed manual with overdrive (1959 Chevrolet pickup)

• 1960s Pontiac rear axle

Servicing & Documentation

• Recently-replaced brake shoes and drums

Known Imperfections

• Paint/body shows age-related wear (see photo gallery

• Rear passenger door glass bracket is not secure

• Vehicle operates but reportedly requires completion of:

  • Floorboards

  • Headliner

  • Interior door panels

  • Brake pressure correction

Ownership History

This 1940 Graham Hollywood has reportedly been kept within the seller's family since 1960.

Included Items

• Rear driver exterior fender (two units)

• Front passenger exterior fender (one unit)

• Interior chrome window trim pieces

• Front dash interior components

Additional Information

The seller reports, “What makes this 1940 Graham Hollywood special is its remarkable combination of originality, history, and drivability. It has been in the same family since 1960, lovingly maintained and upgraded over the years to stay on the road while preserving its authentic pre-war character. The car retains its signature Hollywood body lines and much of its original interior yet features a thoughtfully integrated 1956 Chevy 265 V8 and 3-speed with overdrive from a 1959 pickup, an upgrade that makes it both dependable and enjoyable to drive.

“Several key upgrades have been made to improve drivability while maintaining the car’s classic character. It has been fitted with a 1956 Chevy 265 V8 engine paired with a 3-speed manual transmission and overdrive from a 1959 pickup. The drivetrain has approximately 15,000 miles since installation. A GM-compatible rear end from the 1960s was added for improved reliability, and the crossmember was modified to accommodate the Chevrolet powertrain. The brakes have been serviced with new shoes and drums, and the car retains its original suspension for a period-correct ride.

“The car is a running and driving project that still shows several areas needing attention. The brakes are currently functional but have a pressure issue that will require repair. The floorboards and headliner are unfinished, and the interior door panels need restoration. The paint remains original and shows age-related wear consistent with the car’s history. Overall, it is a solid and complete vehicle that would benefit from mechanical and cosmetic finishing work.”