1939 Graham "Sharknose" Sedan

It has a look and shape like no other. A purpose-built design that was not only unique in its appearance but stylistically years ahead of its contemporaries. That was the allure of the Graham Sharknose's hallmark design then, and now, nearly eight decades after it was first shown to the public.

The design was originally called the "Spirit of Motion," but the nickname "Sharknose" was what old-car enthusiasts preferred, so that's the name that's mostly associated with this beautifully shaped and well-proportioned automobile.

The Sharknose's forward-leaning front end was created by one of the industry's most underrated designers, Amos Northup. His clear vision towards the future and aerodynamic efficiency, combined with his immense amount of creativity, helped create this sensational automobile.

Behind its Streamline Moderne-inspired grille with its multiple layers of horizontal bars lies an L-head straight-six engine displacing 218 cubic inches. Supplied by Continental, it produced 90 horsepower; however, a supercharged option bumped the power rating up to a substantial 116 hp. The Graham's Continental engine also featured exclusive intake and exhaust manifolds designed by Graham engineers, which were more efficient than the standard manifolds. The transmission, like that of most automobiles during the prewar era, was a manual three-speed with the shifter on the column.

A rather large, round speedometer, featuring a fluted white bezel with Art Deco numerals, was centered behind the car's sizable three-spoke steering wheel. The instrument's face was a creamy white, as was the needle; an odometer was included. There were four other gauges--oil, fuel, amps and water temperature--which were small rec-tangles, two on either side of the speedometer, all of which were set in a panel that matched the color of the steering wheel. Ahead of the passenger was a clock that was a duplicate design of the speedometer, while a radio was fitted in the middle.

This particular Graham is owned by Dan Braden, an architect from Jensen Beach, Florida, a man who knows a thing or two about fine design. The car was originally bought by his father, Phillip, who lusted after a Sharknose after he first saw one drive by during his teenage years. The car is now in Dan's care, and he makes sure it's driven regularly, which is about every week.

The Graham is not a show car by any means; Dan prefers it to remain in this condition. He told us, "I can drive it and not worry about getting a door ding. I do worry about it, but nobody parks that close anyway. At local car shows, everyone wants to know, 'What car is that?' I tell them, 'It's a Graham.' And the next thing they want to know is, 'Who made it?'"

It's no wonder that so few people know of this Graham's existence, as only slightly more than 8,000 Sharknoses were built during its three-year production run that began in 1938 and ended in 1940. It's a remarkable, awe-inspiring design--from its slanted front end with its uncharacteristic square headlamps to the rounded shape of both front and rear fenders. If ever there were an award for America's most distinctive prewar car design, the Graham Sharknose would have to take top honors.

Specifications

Engine 217.8-cu.in. L-head straight-six

Horsepower 90 @ 3,600 RPM

Bore x stroke 3.25 x 4.375 inches

Compression ratio 6.7:1

Transmission Three-speed manual

Wheelbase 120 inches

Weight 3,255 pounds

Price new $1,095

Price today $40,000-$90,000