Last Call: Something Borrowed Edition

The Graham Hollywood and similar Hupmobile Skylark share a fascinating and sad history of one failed brand dominoing into another. The two models are also a rare instance where one brand’s body was re-purposed for another, and where a formerly FWD design became RWD.
The Hollywood and Skylark were the result of an agreement between Graham-Paige and Humobile to co-produce cars. Hupmobile had purchased the dies for the 810/812 from the defunct Cord corporation, and these were used on an existing chassis, but with a new longer nose – designed by legendary designer Tom Tjaarda – to accommodate the more forward engine placement required of the RWD chassis. Much of the rest of Gordon Buehrig’s Cord design remained, just with a less interesting nose.
The Hollywood/Skylark were introduced in 1939 and produced until September of 1940 when their factories were turned over to wartime production. After the war, the two companies became part of Kaiser-Frazier, which of course eventually became part of American Motors, which traded hands until being absorbed by Chrysler, which is today owned by Fiat. And that’s the Cord-Cinquecento connection.
Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. 
Image: OldCarBrochures