Description
Graham-Paige was an American automobile manufacturer founded by brothers Joseph B. Graham (1882–1970), Robert C. Graham (1885–1967), and Ray A. Graham (1887–1932) in 1927. Automobile production ceased in 1940, and its automotive assets were acquired by Kaiser-Frazer in 1947. As a corporate entity, the Graham-Paige name continued until 1962.
After successful involvement in a glass manufacturing company (eventually sold to Libbey Owens Ford, brothers Joseph B, Robert C, and Ray A. Graham began in 1919 to produce kits to convert Ford Model Ts into trucks and modify Model TTs. That led to the brothers building their trucks using engines of various manufacturers and the Graham Brothers brand. Eventually, they settled on Dodge engines, and soon the trucks were sold by Dodge dealers. The Grahams expanded from beginnings in Evansville, Indiana, opening plants in 1922 in Detroit, Michigan and in 1925 on Cherokee Lane in Stockton, California.
In 1927, with the banking syndicate controlling Dodge trying to sell the company, the Graham brothers decided to enter the automobile business on their own. In 1927, they purchased the Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company, makers of Paige and Jewett automobiles, for $3. 5 million ($61, 390, 805 in 2024 dollars). Joseph became president, Robert vice-president, and Ray secretary-treasurer of the company. The company's initial offerings included a line of Graham-Paige cars with 6 and 8-cylinder engines. For a while, a line of light trucks was offered under the Paige name, soon discontinued when Dodge reminded the Grahams about the non-competition agreement they had signed as part of the sale of the Graham Brothers Company. Graham earned a reputation for quality and sales quickly rose. Graham also had some success in racing, which helped boost sales. The Graham company logo included profiles of the three brothers and was used in insignia on the cars including badges and taillight lens.
By 1935, the early 30’s "Blue Streak" styling was getting rather dated. A restyling of the front and rear ends for 1935 proved to be a disaster, making the cars appear higher and narrower. Having no money for a new body, Graham signed an agreement with REO Motor Car Company to purchase car bodies, paying them $7. 50 ($156 in 2024 dollars) in royalties for each Hayes-built body. The engines did have new full water jackets. Graham added new front end styling and revised detailing to these bodies to create the 1936 and 1937 Grahams.
Graham-Paige exported to 14 countries including Singapore, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Right hand drive vehicles were produced for these markets.
This is a very rare RHD Indiana factory built 1936 Graham-Paige Crusader 80 for sale. There is not another one available globally.
A solid example from a dry climate and currently garage stored. The original ignition keys, jack, owners handbook and workshop manual are to hand.
Extra rare as it was the entry level car for Graham and this one was ordered without the rear trunk access. In this car the trunk has to be accessed by lifting the rear seat!
A barn find, that requires work. Engine turns over.
On YouTube view a spectacular restored Graham-Paige Crusader 80 in Sweden under: Graham - Nästan 100 ar gammal svensk bilhistoria
Parts are readily available from Jeff Graham in New Hampshire. He has 15, 000+ parts.
UK registered. Reg number: WXS 322
A very special looking car with Art Deco style from the 1930s.
A rare opportunity.
