Part of the fun of studying automotive history is finding an instance of a company implementing a different idea. While everyone else was using liquid cooling, Franklin Automobile Company stubbornly clung to the idea that air cooling was the… more»
Franklin
Nov 9, 2022 • For Sale • 9 Comments
Air Cooled Mystery: 1925 Franklin Sedan
Franklins are coming out of the woodwork it seems. Just a few days ago we wrote up an Airman, and now here’s an earlier mystery Franklin I can’t identify. Fortunately, these air-cooled cars have a sturdy following. For instance,… more»
Nov 3, 2022 • For Sale • 9 Comments
Look Ma, No Radiator! 1933 Franklin Airman 16-B Sedan
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»
May 16, 2022 • For Sale • 19 Comments
Air Cooled Project: 1929 Franklin Victoria
Wow, what a find, a 1929 Franklin Victoria Brougham sedan! An unfortunate victim of the great depression, Franklin was one of those marques that went their own way as so many of the independents did in the days before… more»
Apr 16, 2021 • For Sale • 16 Comments
55 Year Barn Finds! A Pair Of Franklins
Barn Find is a rather loose, interpretable term these days, and it has really taken on a generic meaning. But that’s OK, we all know what it directionally means. And here’s a pair of real barn finds, rarities to… more»
Sep 20, 2018 • Uncategorized • 15 Comments
Air Cooled Barn Find: 1926 Franklin 11A
While the Germans have gone down in history for their air cooled automobiles, the American made air cools are much less common to find. Although equally as cool, the design and layout differ significantly, and I feel that Franklins… more»
Feb 23, 2018 • Uncategorized • 11 Comments
Nice Wheels: 1930 Franklin 147 Speedster
Franklin automobiles were high end, expensive cars mostly remembered today for their air-cooled engines. Like many other companies, Franklin did not survive the depression. The name was purchased by former employees of Franklin who produced Franklin engines into the… more»
Dec 19, 2017 • Uncategorized • 28 Comments
Air Cooled And Supercharged: 1932 Franklin Airman Coupe
If you are on the hunt for a vehicle that is truly special, look no further than this 1932 Franklin. This Airman 3 window coupe features impressive styling for it’s time and even more impressive technology. The big air… more»
Apr 14, 2017 • For Sale • 16 Comments
Estate Sale! Corvette, Franklin, Avanti, & More.
I’m not a big estate sale guy, but I have to admit that they can be pretty appealing, especially in smaller towns without professional companies setting them up and pricing everything. Some great bargains can be found among the old… more»
Jan 18, 2017 • For Sale • 12 Comments
Air-Cooled American: 1930 Franklin Sedan
I always find it fascinating to see how so many manufacturers took on the idea of their own cars, and their own internal combustion engines. The Franklin automobile brand was headquartered in Syracuse, New York, and produced automobiles from… more»
Nov 28, 2016 • For Sale • 26 Comments
Waiting 54 years: 1929 Franklin Brougham 135
The Franklin Automobile Company had a long and interesting history building cars from 1902 until 1934. Their first car was also the first 4 cylinder car produced in America. Throughout their history Franklins were air cooled and featured many innovations…. more»
Mar 26, 2016 • For Sale • 10 Comments
More Than Yard Art: 1929 Franklin Speedster
Thanks to P Rettig for this really interesting and unique find! It was a popular thing to do for many years to build speedsters out of old cars. This one listed on eBay is typical except perhaps that it was… more»
Mar 25, 2016 • For Sale • 3 Comments
Aircooled Baby For Sale Again: 1928 Franklin Airman
Thanks to reader Craig B. for telling us about this rare and beautiful 1928 Franklin for sale here on eBay. With three days left in the auction as of this writing, the bidding is only at $6,400. This same car… more»
Nov 18, 2015 • For Sale • 9 Comments
Air Cooled Baby: 1928 H.H. Franklin 12B
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… more»
Oct 13, 2015 • For Sale • 10 Comments
Air-Cooled Rarity: 1930 Franklin 145 Coupe
Air cooling was considered a feature in the early years of motoring, when it meant one less thing to deal with (no liquid cooling system). Franklin was a long-time proponent of air cooling, but unfortunately the company barely survived… more»
Jun 22, 2015 • For Sale Sightings • 5 Comments
Roadside Find: 1929 Franklin
From Brian C – Howdy Barn Finders. I just spotted this 1929 Franklin for sale in the streets of north Seattle. The seller says the odometer shows 60k but doesn’t say if it’s original. However it does state the motor… more»
