The Franklin automobile was a collaboration between John Wilkinson, an engineer with a passion for air-cooled engines, and Herbert Franklin, an industrialist. The cars were manufactured starting in 1902 by the Franklin Automobile Company, headquartered in Syracuse, New York. More than 150,000 Franklins were built, but only about 3,700 survive today. Here on craigslist is a rare 1933 Franklin Airman 16-B sedan for sale with an asking price of $22,500. This car might be located just a stone’s throw from where it was born, as its address is Lyncourt, New York. Thanks to T.J. for this unusual tip! “Airman” was a takeoff (couldn’t resist) on the popularity of Charles Lindbergh who had captured hearts and minds piloting The Spirit of St. Louis, which of course had an air-cooled engine. Franklin made much of the parallels to its cars, finally christening its 1928 models “Airman”. The car has a prominent radiator shell despite the lack of any liquid coolant. Dealers were upset that the Franklin didn’t look conventional, so designers faked a radiator starting in the 1920s, upsetting Wilkinson no end. He quit the company in protest.
Despite Wilkinson’s absence, the Franklin maintained its air-cooled ways. A 4.5-liter in-line six-cylinder motor powers this car, making about 100 bhp. This car has had its carburetor rebuilt, the fuel tank cleaned, and new plugs and wires installed. It has electronic ignition and a new battery. The engine fan – a critical component – has been rebuilt as well. The seller indicates that the car starts and runs well and that the manual transmission and clutch work as they should. Research on an AACA forum where the car is also listed indicates that this motor may be missing the shroud that funnels air over the hot motor. On the other hand, this year is supposed to include innovative “shutters” in the grille that open to allow more air across the engine.
The interior needs renovation. Perhaps a good cleaning would bring the upholstery up to snuff, but the headliner is probably beyond help. The dash needs to be refinished. The seller says the lights work and that generally, the car is unmolested.
The underside is showing its age, but at least the exhaust is brand new. By 1933, Franklin had shifted from ash frames to steel, but wood was still incorporated structurally. Age can destroy these parts. Despite the rarity of these cars, museums and clubs exist that can lend a helping hand to the restorer. Of course, there’s the H.H. Franklin Club, with a wealth of technical information. The AACA will be helpful, and there are at least two museums with plenty of Franklins to compare. One is in Tucson, with twenty-seven cars. And now it’s time to talk about value. Sometimes despite the obscurity of the car, we get lucky: Mecum auctioned this exact model just this year, a dark red example in very nice condition for $36,300. Given that data point, what do you think the price should be on this one?
Sadly, more like , “Look ma, no comments”. I always feel bad for an author that spends time researching some obscure vehicle, surely before their time and all new to them, and no replies. I know, all in a days work, I suppose, but interest for this is practically non-existent today. Franklin, as the author mentions, and just all around well known to most old coots,, was one classy automobile. Air cooling had many advantages over liquid cooled, and while to many today, this is just an OLD CAR, and looks like every other old car, there were subtle differences, and Franklin was a style leader. I think even the most novice in full classics, could tell the difference between these and say, a Model A.
While fully capable of highway speeds, you’d be a fool to drive this ANYWHERE , remember the Walmart parking lot incidents? Those poor drivers have to GET to Walmart and when was the last time you actually saw one on the road, and not on a trailer? I equate these fantastic full classics on the same page as steam locomotives. Fascinating machines, but just not for our time. How much does velvet rope cost these days?
Great write-up, none the less, and judging by past views, I could definitely see the author driving this! :)
I think it’s a wonderful vehicle – I’m captivated by air cooled vehicles. Something about the simplicity of air cooled appeals to me. I restored an old beetle whose 34 hp was not fun to drive in todays traffic – seemed to have somebody riding my bumper too often and I just couldn’t accelerate out of the way. Just completed a Porsche 912 with 90 hp and hope that it will be able to keep up traffic. I would like a Franklin – a work of art and different
I think it’s a wonderful vehicle – I’m captivated by air cooled vehicles. Something about the simplicity of air cooled appeals to me. I restored an old beetle whose 34 hp was not fun to drive in todays traffic – seemed to have somebody riding my bumper too often and I just couldn’t accelerate out of the way. Just completed a Porsche 912 with 90 hp and hope that it will be able to keep up traffic. I would like a Franklin – a work of art and different
I’m not sure of year or model, but there is one near me in the Redington Beach Florida area. It is with the original family, as the owners Grandfather bought it. I saw it in Amelia Island 2 years or so ago and he drove it both ways. Says it runs great. Not in this good of condition, but an interesting machine.
Howard is correct. If you watch Mecum or Barrett-Jackson auctions, buyers today are spending $400,000 on Corvette resto-mods instead of cars like this. The ’33 Franklin that sold on Mecum was presented in much better condition than this.
Air cooled cars are unique. I have had VW’s and Corvairs. Of the two I liked my bug the best, I had a 36 hp. engine with Impy Exaust and drove it around a construction project as a crew foreman. I got 30 mpg and scared half the guys out there with the handling of that little beast. 14″ Crager Mag. wheels and tires, could corner on a dime as they used to say.
We have a Franklin at the museum where I volunteer (California Auto Museum) The pit crew has it running and driving.
The Franklin cars are long gone, but Franklin Engines are still being produced.
Franklin went almost bankrupt in 1933 and was purchased by employees and renamed air-cooled motors. They built helicopter and aircraft engines and continued the Franklin name. Republic Aircraft purchased the company and eventually sold it to Tucker, who canceled the aviation contracts to build engines for his cars. We know how that went. Next it was sold to Aero Industries in 1961 who restored the Franklin name. In 1975 they sold the company to the Polish Government who is still producing Franklin engines.
Back in the 60’s and 70’s there was a Judge in the small town of Central Valley, California. This man drove a 29 Franklin, he found it quite comical to pull into a gas station and tell the attendant to check the radiator. If a new employee happened to be working that shift he would fall for it and the old Judge would begin his outrageous laugh, and then tell them it was an air cooled engine. I used to hang out there with some friends with our hot rod cars and see this happen all the time. I’m sure both the Judge and franklin are passed away by now, still I think about it at times, especially when I see a car this listed.
God Bless America
So much to like about this car, cool factor in spades. Even has a little history with the gas ration sticker.