DETAILS
- Single-family ownership from new until 2014
- An attractive, well-preserved older restoration of a rarely seen body style
- Powered by Franklin’s signature air-cooled inline-six, rated at an impressive 100 hp; fascinating engineering throughout
- A CCCA Full Classic; also ideal for participation in Franklin Treks and club activities
The Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York always did things its own way. Between 1902 and 1934, when the marque went defunct, each Franklin was powered by an ingeniously designed air-cooled engine—a stretch of solely air-cooled production no American automaker has ever exceeded.
Even as consumer trends forced Franklin to adopt more conventional styling, including the addition of false grilles (behind which there was, of course, no radiator), the automaker continued its tradition of air-cooled innovation. By 1931, it offered a six-cylinder L-head engine that produced a stated 100 horsepower—remarkable power density for the era. When coupled with Franklin’s relatively lightweight bodies, this led to cars that were speedy and nimble, yet still luxurious-feeling; they were also lower-maintenance and economical to operate compared to the more conventional automobiles on the market.
The Franklin Series 15 Convertible Coupe offered here was purchased new by the president of South Boston Savings Bank, of Boston, Massachusetts, who drove it as his primary car until his unexpected passing in the mid-1950s. The banker’s daughter and her husband inherited it, and together, they would drive it to many different places during the summer months. As their son, the previous owner, fondly recalled, “There was a section of street near our house that would flood to a foot in depth, and we would drive through in the high-riding Franklin, waving to those stranded in the puddle. One day at a picnic, it rained on the way home, so my sister and I rode in the golf bag compartment, with the rumble seat closed!”
The Franklin was shown and driven by the family in the area around Grand Rapids, Michigan for some 40 years. It was rebuilt in the mid-1990s, with research performed to determine the original colors, to which the car was returned; it was subsequently maintained in driving condition until the family parted ways with the car in 2014. Following its acquisition by its new owner, a prominent collector in the Northeastern United States, the Franklin continued to receive maintenance at his world-class in-house facilities.
As this car demonstrates, Franklins inspire a remarkable degree of interest and loyalty among their owners; this was true when these cars were new, and it remains so today. Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic, this Series 15 Convertible Coupe would be well-suited to CARavans, and it would no doubt be warmly welcomed on one of the very active Franklin Club’s famous Franklin Treks. More than that, it is the perfect automobile for those who appreciate fascinating engineering—and admire an American manufacturer that did things differently.
