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Topic starter
28/09/2023 9:47 pm
From time to time, I add to my very small collection an eclectic model of an American car. My main criteria is to be resin for the maximum details and accuracy to join the Automodello Checker and Goldvarg Crosley.
A few weeks ago, my attention came to the NEO 1939 Graham Custom Supercharger and I found one in Europe. The history of what we call the " Skarknose" is particularly interesting. Amos Northup presented the Spirit Of Motion design to the Graham brothers in 1935 and registered a patent for the concept. He passed away in 1937 before his creation became a reality.
The model is very nice and accurate even with the optional running boards as accessories for 1939 and the interior is very impressive. This is without any doubt the best rendition of a 1938 - 40 Graham Spirit of Motion.
The last picture is an excerpt of the most authoritative book about Graham and the Spirit of Motion concept:
The Graham Legacy: Graham Paige From 1932. Michael G. Keller, Commemorative Edition #701/1000, MT Publishing Co. 2003, P. 88.
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28/09/2023 10:38 pm
Ya gotta love that front design !Â
SteveÂ
28/09/2023 11:03 pm
Very nice ! It is a terrific 1/43 replica of a very attractive and beautiful car, in my view. A combination coupe has appeared at our local cruise night car shows and I happily have the red IXO '39 version in 1/43 scale.The Graham-Paige connection with Kaiser is very interesting, too.
Charles Rockett and John Kuvakas reacted
28/09/2023 11:22 pm
Nicely done post, Nickies. Thanks.Â
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Topic starter
28/09/2023 11:34 pm
@mikedetorrice The IXO model is inaccurate. The front end is wrong and the overall model is very basic. Graham Spirit of Motion of that period were very popular among the major coachbuilders in Europe. The IXO was an attempt to render the French Chapron Convertible conversion.
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29/09/2023 4:16 am
Stunning photographs and very interesting coverage of this subject. Â Many thanks for post. Â
I, too have the red IXO edition as the Chapron design ties into the same "Spirit Of Motion" theme that in fact can be dated back to Opel and Mercedes-Benz as far back as 1935 or even '34. Pictured is King Ghazi's 1935 540K Mercedes-Benz. Â I am presently awaiting a model of the Opel in that design series, and with your patience will return to this theme when it finally arrives! (China are still making it, apparently). There are also the Citroen Traction Avant by Clabot to be considered in this theme.
29/09/2023 4:58 am
Nickies, I cannot get your post out of my mind as it does in fact answer a question I've long wondered at. Â Having established that the pontoon fenders possibly pre-existed Amos Northup's concept. That leaves moulding the 'fuselage' of the car into a protruding nose as being the essential element of his "Spirit Of Motion" design, and looking at his patent date of 1935, this surely predates the Narvals, Clabot's Traction Avant and indeed all the Figoni et Falaschi concepts. This is to me, startling news for which I am extremely grateful. Â I shall take note of your book's details.
29/09/2023 8:16 am
Great photos of that NEO Sharknose! Very striking. 😎Â
@mikedetorrice - would love to see photos of the red Sharknose. Have you done your magic with that Ixo yet? 😋Â
Christopher Moroni and John Kuvakas reacted
29/09/2023 11:06 am
Fantastic looking NEO Graham Nickies. I knew there was something a bit wonky about IXO's convertible, but couldn't put my finger on it. 100 years ago, I dated a girl whose father was restoring a Graham sedan. I had assumed he customized the front end; I was shocked to learn it was all 100% stock.
29/09/2023 12:44 pm
100 years ago?
Yes, "100." I'm 59 now and that girl I referenced was my high school/college sweetheart. Reflecting back now, sure seems like it's been 100 years! 😬 😬
Ed Davis and John Kuvakas reacted
29/09/2023 12:50 pm
100 years ago?
Yes, "100." I'm 59 now and that girl I referenced was my high school/college sweetheart. Reflecting back now, sure seems like it's been 100 years! 😬 😬
The problem is when you realise that what seemed ten or twelve years ago was in fact twenty five years ago!
29/09/2023 2:01 pm
I recently put up some snaps of my IXO Graham-Paige custom convertible, Karl, and it has happily met my main and only criteria for a 1/43 replica ...... I like it, lol !
https://diecast.org/community/1_43/pics-ixo-1939-graham-spirit-of-motion-sharknose/#post-121863
Here is the custom Graham-Paige combination coupe that has sometimes appeared at our local cruise nights. It is, of course, a two-door, as opposed a beautiful 4 door like Nickies and it is really nice !
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Topic starter
29/09/2023 10:26 pm
@charles-rockett here is another one you should add ......... there should be one in 1/43 scale. Excellent movie by the way and the real car is impressive.
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30/09/2023 3:57 am
@nickies Now we're getting into the realms of Nudie Cohn - celebrated couturier to cowboys, creator of Elvis' 1957 gold lame suit, but also stylist of extraordinary 'cowboy cars'.
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