Unveiling the 1939 Graham Custom Special 96: A Pioneering Marvel

The 1939 Graham Custom Special 96 emerged at a time when the world stood on the brink of monumental change. Crafted by the Graham-Paige Motors Corporation, a company known for its innovative spirit, this vehicle represented a bold step forward in automotive design. With its origin rooted in the bustling industry of pre-war America, the Graham Custom Special 96 not only reflected the era's aesthetic but also pushed boundaries with its advanced features. A standout moment in its history was its pioneering use of supercharging, a technology that set new standards for performance and efficiency.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the Graham Custom Special 96 was nothing short of revolutionary. Its sweeping lines and 'sharknose' front end created an impression of motion even at a standstill. The car's grille, with horizontal bars cascading forward, gave it an aggressive yet elegant facade. Inside, occupants were treated to a cabin that exuded luxury with high-quality fabrics and meticulously crafted details. Technologically, it was ahead of its time with features like a supercharged engine—a rarity for cars in that era. While color options were limited by today's standards, hues like Cavern Green and Regal Red were popular among buyers. Body styles varied, but the most iconic was undoubtedly the four-door sedan, which perfectly balanced form and function.

Historical Significance

The Graham Custom Special 96's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It introduced aerodynamic principles that would later become commonplace, and its supercharged engine influenced performance benchmarks for years to come. This car stood apart from its contemporaries with its bold styling and engineering prowess, leaving a lasting legacy on the automotive landscape.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Graham Custom Special 96 boasted impressive performance credentials for its time. With a top speed that flirted with the century mark, it was no slouch on open roads. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly, considering the era's standards. The handling was surprisingly modern; it navigated through challenging driving conditions with grace. Drivers often remarked on the smoothness of the ride and the symphonic hum of its supercharged engine—a true mechanical orchestra at work.

Ownership Experience

The Graham Custom Special 96 found its place in various roles ranging from an elegant daily driver to a coveted showpiece at vintage car rallies. Its reliability was commendable for the period, though modern owners should expect some quirks inherent to pre-war vehicles. Maintenance is straightforward for those familiar with classic cars, but sourcing original parts can be an adventure in itself.

Fun Facts

This classic has been linked to several unique tidbits throughout history: limited production runs have made certain models exceptionally rare, and some have graced the garages of high-profile individuals. While it may not hold any official speed records today, it certainly set benchmarks in style and innovation during its heyday.

Collector's Information

Today, estimating the value range for a 1939 Graham Custom Special 96 can be challenging due to its rarity; however, pristine examples could fetch significant sums well into six figures at auction. With production numbers believed to be low due to Graham-Paige's financial difficulties at the time, surviving models are scarce treasures in the collector market.

Conclusion

The 1939 Graham Custom Special 96 stands as a testament to an era when innovation knew no bounds and style was as important as substance. Its legacy is etched into automotive history as a symbol of pre-war ingenuity and elegance—a true classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the globe.

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 12Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 17Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-5/8" wide X 4-1/4" long, with 1-3/4" long inner slot. Fits Front & Rear. Pair

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long-CB 25Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long. Pair

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3-5/8" long. Pair-CB 46Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3-5/8" long. Pair

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates-FS 22Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 14-3/4" long X 7-3/4" wide at top and 8-1/2" wide at bottom. Pair

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Trunk Seal. Sponge rubber. Sold by the foot.-LP 96-/FTTrunk Seal. Sponge rubber. Sold by the foot.

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 Tail-light Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 15-1/4" long. Pair R&L-MP 795-BTail-light Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 15-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1939 Graham Custom Special 96 License Light Pad. 5" wide X 12-1/4" long. Each-MP 797-CLicense Light Pad. 5" wide X 12-1/4" long. Each