Marque of the Month
Franklin
August                
was founded in 1902.
was the builder of the only successful American luxury car with an air-cooled engine.
was a favorite automobile of aviators and aviatrix like Lindbergh and Earhart.
was a favorite of trans-continental racers.
was out-of-business in April 1934.
t1908_Franklin_Model_G_Touring.jpg (90184 bytes) t1922_Franklin_10A.jpg (71595 bytes) t1930_Franklin_145.jpg (70148 bytes) t1931_Franklin_Airman_153_Deluxe.jpg (63476 bytes) t1931_Franklin_Series_153.jpg (85829 bytes) t1933_Franklin_Olympic_Convertible.jpg (60957 bytes) t1934_Franklin_Airman.jpg (30330 bytes)

1908 Model G Touring

1922 Series 10A

1930 Series 145

1931 Airman 153

1931 Series 153

1933 Olympic

1934 Airman

Franklin was a make of "fine cars", early-twentieth-century speak for luxury automobiles.  What set Franklin apart from other marques such as Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard, were the unique all-aluminum air-cooled engines that Franklin built and used.  Franklin straight-six engines had overhead valves, individually cast cylinders, and thermostat-controlled "hood front" shutters.

In 1932 Franklin debuted an air-cooled, supercharged 398 cu.in. V-12 engine, in a 144-inch-wheelbase chassis.  200 in total were built.  The Olympic was brought out in 1933 as an attempt to field a mid-priced car, to save the company.  It was too late.  In April 1934 Franklin closed the factory in Syracuse, New York.
 

Did You Know?
  • Franklin pioneered closed-car construction, and offered sedan models before 1920.
  • Franklin successfully used one of their engines in a Waco biplane.
  • Franklin used an Reo Flying Cloud body in 1933 with their engine to make the Olympic.
  • Franklins (except the Olympic) are all recognized as Classics by the AACA.

© 2002 San Francisco Historical Automobile Society, P.O. Box 880233, San Francisco, CA 94188-0233