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Writing inward the June 1984 number of The Classic Car, automotive historian Karl Zahm described the Saoutchik Graham best:

“This Graham is a rakish automobile made past times the absence of running boards as well as its aerodynamically inspired fin molded into as well as forming purpose of the parent deck adds to its streamlined look.

The automobile is besides fitted amongst unique parallel opening doors built nether license past times its developer, British coachbuilder James Young, Ltd. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 double-bar, pivoting swing hinge is used, allowing the fifty-two-inch broad doors to swing out as well as dorsum over the parent fenders – ever parallel to the car’s sides.
The door windows are besides unusual inward that they tumble out a double retractable system. Upon rolling downwards the window, the parent or larger purpose retracts first, allowing the current of air fly department either to render into the torso of the door or live left upright inward operable position.”

The automobile is recorded past times Saoutchik historian Peter Larsen every bit having been originally sold to a Maurice Reb who was stationed inward People's Democratic Republic of Algeria amongst the French Army. However, the CO of the French Army inward Algeria, requisitioned the Graham. Reb pose upwardly a fuss as well as was afterward conscripted to the General’s chauffeur until the terminate of 1939!

Late inward 1940, Reb returned amongst the automobile to Algiers as well as to a greater extent than or less this time, it was converted to run on coal gas due to severe wartime fuel provide restrictions. Reb sold the Graham to the Army inward piece of cake 1942, who so pose a armed forces vehicle gas engine inward the car. It remained at that spot for 2 to a greater extent than years; during this time, it was photographed inward the town of Touggourt, where it remained inward service every bit a staff car.

The Graham was eventually acquired inward 1944 past times an American Chrysler employee, Thomas Demetry, from the French Army Service of Supply, as well as was exported from the Algerian port metropolis of Oran to the US of America for $175.

The automobile was so traded amidst enthusiasts inward Michigan until 1966, when its lastly Great Lakes State owner, Morley Murphy, sold it to legendary collector William Harrah.

The automobile was sold at ane of the Harrah’s Automobile Collection dispersal auctions inward 1981 to Edmund Kowalski of California, who exhaustively documented its restoration over a 30-year catamenia of inquiry on 2 continents.

http://www.rmsothebys.com/am17/amelia-island/lots/1938-graham-97-supercharged-cabriolet-by-saoutchik/1701972

Thanks Doug!

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