Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Air Cooled Baby: 1928 H.H. Franklin 12B

'28 Franklin front

Yes, this big old Franklin is air cooled! Air cooled engines are usually only found on motorcycles and in micro cars, but at one time you could find them powering Franklin’s big sedans! They even built an air cooled V12 at one point. This 1928 H.H. Franklin 12B is listed on craigslist Columbia, Ohio with a price of $8K. There were just 7,770 of these produced in 1928.

'28 Franklin door open

According to the owner there is no body sag as the car has been stored indoors and the wooden frame is made of strong Ash.

'28 Franklin left side

The owner says there are 88,800 miles on this Franklin. It was found in a barn with all kinds of junk piled around it. The seller transported it to their garage where it now sits. It is still wearing it’s barn dust, so it’s a bit difficult to tell what condition the body is in, but it looks alright.

'28 Franklin

The 12B has the following parts made from aluminum: the body, doors, crankcase, transmission and differential cases. The power plant is a 236.5 cubic inch 6 cylinder, which is neither pictured or mentioned in the ad.  The owner is moving soon and needs to get it moved on. However, they might be interested in a trade, so you may wish to contact the owner and see if a deal can be made.

Motor-on,

Robert

Comments

  1. Avatar randy

    Paging Bonnie and Clyde……………

    Like 0
  2. Avatar 64 bonneville

    The rarity and condition of the vehicle would classify it for Historical Preservation of Features in the CCCA. Appears that the nickel plating on the “radiator” has worn off, however the Franklin club is always eager to help a restorer, even if not a member.

    Like 0
    • Avatar randy

      Hopefully the new or current owner will get the assistance they need.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Dan h

    What? No shots of the engine?? What a bummer, I really wanted to see it.
    Oh yeah, I guess I can just google it-chuckle.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Fred

    Would want this in my garage if not on wifely car restriction. And Ohio is actually not that far.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mark S

    This is one of those cars that needs to be restored and treated more gently. I am a believer that cars once road worthy need to be driven. This would be a fabulous car to own and to bring back.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar redwagon

    Fred …. ‘wifey car restriction’ …. i am still chuckling at that.

    at some point we all are put on restriction, some for baseball gloves, some for shoes/boots or hunting gear, some for cars. hope you enjoy them while you have them!

    Like 0
    • Avatar MikeH

      I would like some “wifey car restriction”s. My wife is a total enabler. If I say I would really like a car, she says “if you want it, get it”. In reality, I’m secretly hoping someone will tell me no. I guess there could be worse habits.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Charles

    Nice find!

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Charles Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.