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The H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company built the most successful American direct air-cooled cars from 1902 to 1934. John Wilkinson was the engineer who built the first Franklin car and whose design principles combining high quality with light weight gave Franklin their distinct reputation for dependability and long life. All Franklins utilized air-cooled engines and double elliptical springs on all four wheels. Their legacy has been one of successful innovations and, of course, the unusual vehicles that survived.
The Franklin Motor Company, based in New York, produced vehicles from 1902 through 1934. John Wilkinson, an engineer and company's vice-president, had introduced several innovative creations. His engines did not use a water pump, hoses, fans, anti-freeze, or gaskets because they were air cooled. He promoted a wooden frame chassis constructed of three-ply laminated ash. The design was lighter than steel and proved to be better at absorbing shock. Their lightweight design, quality, durability, and style were aggressively promoted by the companies advertising programs.
In 1924 Wilkinson left the company after the vehicles were given the 'appearance' of having a radiator, something he fought against.
This 1929 Franklin Model 135 Convertible Coupe with chassis number 35185899L14 has a 274 cubic-inch Franklin Airman air-cooled six-cylinder engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. It has a 125 inch wheelbase, hydraulic brakes, and is considered to be a very rare convertible coupe.
At the 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook it was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $50,000. It found a new home at just under that estimate, at $37,400.
In 1924 Wilkinson left the company after the vehicles were given the 'appearance' of having a radiator, something he fought against.
This 1929 Franklin Model 135 Convertible Coupe with chassis number 35185899L14 has a 274 cubic-inch Franklin Airman air-cooled six-cylinder engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. It has a 125 inch wheelbase, hydraulic brakes, and is considered to be a very rare convertible coupe.
At the 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook it was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $50,000. It found a new home at just under that estimate, at $37,400.
| Photos grouped by event | |
 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook |
 2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island |
1929 Franklin Model 135 Convertible Coupe |
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| Year | 1929 |
| Make | Franklin |
| Model | Model 135 Convertible Coupe |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Tubular front axle with riveted steel rear axle | |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | 35185899L14 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | S |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine | Franklin Airman |
| Air-Cooled | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 274.00 CU IN. | 4490.9 cc. | 4.5 L. |
| Valves | 12 valves. 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Horsepower | 60.00 HP (44.2 KW) @ 2500.00 RPM |
| HP / Liter | 13.3 BHP / Liter |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| View Specifications |
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Franklin History |
| Other models by Franklin |
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| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook |
| 2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island |
| 1929 Franklin models |
| 137 Sport |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
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