Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi

Although most are familiar with the 1938 Eight cabriolet by Graber, this 1937 120C may only be to those who've seen PAC reports on European chapter meets. It demonstrates how deftly Graber handled design and proportions. Note particularly the relationship of the headlights to the upper grille shell/belt-line. Its obviously a couple inches lower than the production 120.

The hood may be lengthened as well, hard to determine in these three-quarters views. When seen in side profile, the belt-line is straight until it reaches the last third of the door, begins a graceful arc to the rear fender. The low angle of the photos distorts how magnificent this design is.

Graber, as well as other European coachbuilders such as Binder, Letourneur & Marchand, Saoutchik, et al, worked in this vein in the years before Dutch Darrin returned to the U.S. in 1937. Its safe to say he arrived here with a headful of design ideas which we're fortunate he used on Packards.

For those who can match their fascination with this wonderful Graber 120C with the wherewithal to own it:
collectioncar.com/detailed.php?ad=51271&category_id=1&lang=en

Steve

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what a handsome car!
A couple questions to further my education:

Flexible vinyl was around in 1937, but used in a back window? I'd be surprised.

Any photos around of the car from when near new?

Steve (58L8134), a beautiful car. Thanks for sharing.
What is the hook for?



image source: collectioncar.com

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Just lovely! Never seen a Graber which wasn't, every line is perfection. The ex-Gerhardt Lutz 833 Graber is now on the market in Germany via private sale - I have pictures and know the agent if anyone is interested.

I'm curious, other than Alvis in the post WW II era when Graber was their agent in Switzerland, Graber appears to have had an inordinate number of customers favoring the Packard chassis, anyone have any data on what % of Grabers were done on Packard chassis (it's been estimated that about 800 Graber bodies were built)? There is a delightful Duesenberg by Graber in the Sam & Emily Mann Collection, also several well-known Lagonda & R-R Grabers.

There are several of these Grabers on the 115C/120C Chassis, all lovely.

This particular Graber has "bonus points" as to its authenticity - per my source - The car has a Graber Body; years later restored by Graber himself! ...he built the car and decades later, he restored the same car. it was Graber's last project in his life before he retired definitively !!

Hermann Graber died in 1970 - the restoration looks fresher than that. Not saying it's not possible.....

I like the way the spare sinks into the rear deck.
On the picture from the back it seems like the belt line from the door towards the front "bows down", but I don't notice it in the other picture. Are my eyes (or the pictures) playing tricks on me?

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Dave (O_D), to be the last restoration project by Hermann Graber himself doesn't exclude later restorations of the car by others. The description points out an engine overhaul in 2001 and many existing bills down to 1969.

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-> This webpage is giving the appearance of being a "Swiss Automotive Documentation and Research Center".

e-mail address -> foundation@swisscarregister.ch

Hi

Here's the '31 833 Victoria Drophead Coupe by Graber Dave noted is for sale currently:

prewarcar.com/classifieds/ad187685.html

Graber certainly had a wonderful way with the convertible Victoria!

Steve

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