Jul 2, 2020  •  For Sale  •  12 Comments

Former Museum Car! 1932 Graham Model 57

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The late 1920s and early 30s were the heydays for car companies. In fact, hundreds of car companies were created in an attempt to capitalize on the “horseless buggy” craze. Unfortunately, The Great Depression caused many of these companies to go bankrupt and disappear forever. Graham-Paige was created in 1927, survived the depression, produced products for the war effort, and eventually merged with Kaiser after World War II. This car is a 1932 Graham Model 57 and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $8,100. It features a big straight-eight engine and looks like a decent project. Currently located in Walker, Iowa, the car was apparently purchased in 1964 from the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan. Thanks to Ikey H. for the tip on this classic Graham. Let’s take a closer look!

As mentioned before, the car features a straight-eight power plant. The seller says it hasn’t run since it was purchased from the museum in 1964 and has not run since. The ad indicates it may be stuck, but hasn’t been confirmed. Apparently, it was purchased from the museum with 33,215 miles on the odometer and has been parked in a barn, untouched for 55 years.

Unfortunately, a lot of the side-glass has been broken out or cracked. Apparently, the previous owner had some rowdy grandchildren that liked to break windows. The seller does say the interior cloth is in “amazing” condition since the seats were removed and stored securely. The headliner is called out as being the worst issue…rodents, attempted removal of rodents, rips, etc.

Overall, this car has great styling and would probably clean up really well. Grahams are certainly interesting cars that are much less common than their Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge cousins. Hopefully, this one will get back on the road someday. What do you think?

Comments

  1. Dusty Stalz
    Jul 2, 2020 at 10:12am

    Wow what a cool car. I’m more of a street rodder but I would get this running and driving proper and safe and enjoy it. I can imagine what that engine produces for torque. Hopefully somebody saves this one. If I had the spare money I would.

    Like 2
    • Russ
      Jul 4, 2020 at 11:57am

      I like street rodding to but love driving my 28 chevy cabaret I have a few cars but the Chevy is just fun

      Like 0
      • Little_Cars
        Jul 6, 2020 at 5:05am

        Life is a CABARET, my friend. Come to the Cabaret!

        Like 1
  2. Pete Phillips
    Jul 2, 2020 at 10:21am

    Grahams are rare cars and most of them are six cylinders. A straight eight Graham is extremely rare, wow! I think I see hydraulic brakes, which is pretty early for those. Nice car. Too bad there aren’t more photos.

    Like 4
  3. Little_Cars
    Jul 2, 2020 at 12:27pm

    Sloped grille, skirted front fenders, way ahead of its time for a 1932 car! More at home in 1934. Maybe even 1937! No wonder Tootsietoy cast thousands of these for kids to play with in the 1930s. Just a great overall form.

    Like 4
  4. Bill McCoskey Bill McCoskeyMember
    Jul 2, 2020 at 1:33pm

    That’s a sharp looking car, quite advanced for 1933.

    Like 4
  5. Lance
    Jul 3, 2020 at 5:03am

    The designer of this car designed the 38 Graham snarknose as well. He also designed the late 1930’s Willys

    Like 1
  6. Wayne
    Jul 3, 2020 at 1:27pm

    I really have really liked these cars since I was introduced to them 50 years ago by a teacher friend. (Bob Bethell are you out there anywhere?)
    I would like find one close by and at a reasonable cost. I would also like to find Bob Bethell if any Graham owners know where he is.

    Like 0
    • Randy Schultz
      Apr 15, 2023 at 4:58pm

      I have a 1935 graham in iowa that runs sat in storage for over 65 years

      Like 0
      • Dave Anderson
        Nov 25, 2023 at 6:26pm

        Randy, where in Iowa are you located? I am in Walker, Iowa and I was the guy that listed this 1932 Graham for sale. I have a collection of other 1932-1935 Grahams.

        Like 0
  7. Joe Backer
    Jul 3, 2020 at 1:49pm

    This beauty is pure gangster! Wish I had a place for it.

    Like 0
  8. TimM
    Jul 3, 2020 at 7:25pm

    In my opinion the grill on this car is worth the price it’s bid up to!! Cool as it gets!! I hope it’s saved and stays just the way it is!! It would be a shame to hot rod a car this unique and rare!!

    Like 0

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