1929 Graham Paige, Model 614, 4-door sedan
Original price: $1,195 (Model 615)
On loan from: Brent Beebout, Lincoln, NE
Number made: 73,195 (1928, all models)
Engine etc.: 6 cyl.; 76 bhp, 224 cid; (Model 615 – 115” wheelbase)
This car has been in the family since 1958 when it was purchased from the original owner. It was purchased in Johnstown, NE. The interior and roof are original. The body and wheels have been repainted.
Graham-Paige cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1928. The company quickly established a reputation for elegant styling and production of a well-made car. The company weathered the Great Depression by offering twelve models on five chassis, with prices varying for smaller cars to larger higher priced cars.
Joseph, Robert and Ray Graham bought the Paige-Detroit Company in 1927. They had developed a successful business in the glass industry which was sold to Owens Glass Company. They then began modifying Ford Model T vehicles into trucks before building their own trucks. Some of the engines they used were from the Dodge Brothers and they sold the truck company to Dodge in 1925.
Graham-Paige cars were available with either a six or eight cylinder engine. The success of the cars was helped by their durability, quality, and success on the racing circuit. The brand introduced many industry “firsts”, both in styling and in mechanical innovations. A camshaft-driven supercharger was introduced for eight-cylinder cars in 1935.
They made a deal with Hupp Motor Company in which Graham could build cars based on the Cord 810/812. Hupp owned the Cord dies but had no financial resources to build the cars.
Graham-Page made military items during World War II but resumed car production after the war. Their new car, the Frazer, was named for Joseph Washington Frazer, president of the company. In 1945 Henry J. Kaiser and Frazer became owners of the Graham-Paige assets and named the company Kaiser-Frazer. Graham’s facilities were sold to Chrysler.
Graham moved into the real estate market and in 1962 was renamed the Madison Square Garden Corporation.
Sources: http://www.conceptcarz.com/z24611/Graham-Paige-Model-615.aspx
http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/makeHistory/483,24611/Graham-Paige_History.aspx
http://www.grahamownersclub.com/ (Owners club)
http://uniquecarsandparts.com/lost_marques_graham_paige.htm (Company history)
