Description
Graham-Paige Phaeton | 1930
Highlights:
– 4.8-litre six-cylinder engine, petrol, three-speed manual transmission
– Phaeton open tourer coachwork with a timber frame clad in steel and aluminium
– Finished in red with dark red wings, over a dark red leather interior
– Body, chassis, paintwork and interior all restored
– Hydraulically operated drum brakes front and rear
The seller offers for sale this 1930 Graham-Paige Phaeton, powered by a 4,800 cc six-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The car is finished in red with dark red wings front and rear, and rides on red wire wheels with original chromed hub caps and Goodrich Silvertown Cord tyres in 5.50-19 with white sidewalls. The black linen hood is manually operated. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in dark red leather with matching door panels and a dark red carpet set, and the dashboard is original and complete, finished in red and dark red with dark red leather accents. All the instruments function, although the age of the counting mechanism means the recorded distance can no longer be read.
The car has been restored. The bodywork, chassis, paintwork and interior trim were all addressed during that work, the wiring loom and electrical components were renewed and adapted with modern relays on a 12-volt system, the brakes were overhauled, and various chrome parts were renewed or replated. Since the restoration the car has been kept indoors, used sparingly and maintained. The engine is original and retains its updraft carburettor; the appraisal notes the leaks usual for a car of this age and construction. The gearbox is original, with the selector mounted centrally in the floor and drive to the rear wheels, and no excessive external oil leakage was noted at the time of appraisal. Original documentation with the car is limited. No test drive was carried out during the appraisal.
Graham-Paige has one of the more remarkable origin stories in American motoring. The three Graham brothers, Joseph, Robert and Ray, had built a substantial business supplying truck bodies to Dodge before selling that operation in 1926. The following year they acquired the Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company and, in January 1928, launched the Graham-Paige marque. The reception was extraordinary: more than 70,000 cars were sold in the first year, a record for a new American marque that stood for decades. The company built its reputation on engineering ambition rather than volume, offering four-wheel hydraulic brakes at a time when many rivals still relied on mechanical systems, and fitting a four-speed transmission with two overdrive-style top ratios on several models when three speeds remained the industry norm.
By 1930 the range spanned sixes and eights and the Paige element of the badging was being phased out in favour of the Graham name alone, making cars of this exact moment a transitional point in the marque’s history. The 4.8-litre side-valve six is a long-stroke, low-revving engine built for torque rather than speed, and it gives the car the unhurried, mechanically deliberate character that defines pre-war American motoring. What makes the Phaeton the most desirable body style is its openness: four doors, no fixed side glass, a low folding hood and a shape that puts the long bonnet, the wire wheels and the sweep of the wings on full display. Few survive today, and fewer still in this configuration and colour combination. For a collector drawn to the pre-war era, and particularly to marques with genuine engineering pedigree that fell outside the big three, the Graham-Paige occupies ground that almost nothing else does. Its eligibility for period touring events and concours entry adds a practical dimension to what is already a rare and visually striking car.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Technical condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Overall condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in: North Brabant province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any
