1929 Franklin Model 135 Convertible Coupe

For 1929, the Franklin Series 13s were given steel chassis frames across the model range. They retained Franklin's traditional full-elliptic leaf spring setup and the four-wheel hydraulic brakes which had been adopted the year before. Three wheelbase lengths were not offered, plus a larger air-cooled, overhead valve six that displaced 274 cubic inches and delivered 60 horsepower.

This Model 135 Cabriolet was given a body-off restoration during the mid-1990s. It was given a new Pale Yellow exterior finish with red interior upholstery and fitted with new tires. Since the restoration, which included a rebuild to the engine, has been driven less than 40 miles since being finished. After the work was completed, the car earned a Blue Ribbon award in 2010 at the second Concours d'Elegance Le Mirage, held at the Blainville Equestrian Park north of Montreal, Quebec.

The vehicle features a golf club compartment and a rumble seat. Other period accessories include dual side-mounted spare tires, a rear luggage rack and trunk, dual Trippe lights, and whitewall tires.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $44,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011