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2012 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction
Lot
26

1938 Graham 96 'Sharknose' Sedan (RHD)

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-Line 6cyl
Gearbox 3-Speed Manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Green
Interior Cream
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

More commonly known as the Sharknose, the new-for-1938 Graham 96 and 97 models were actually referred to as the 'Spirit of Motion' upon their release. As you can see, their unique styling certainly created a sense of motion, with a piercing front grille section that looked as menacing as the animal from which it took its nickname. Powered by an L-Head six-cylinder motor displacing 217.8ci, the 96 was offered in two forms, the entry-spec Standard and the slightly upmarket Special. The 97s used supercharged versions of the same engine for 116bhp compared with the 90bhp of the naturally-aspirated version. Both versions shared a 120-inch wheelbase and ran three-speed manual transmissions. From April through to December 1938 24 Graham Sharknoses were delivered to Australian docks, with 12 examples of the 96 making them a very rare sight on our roads even when new.