1933 Franklin Model 17

The Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York was founded by Herbert H. Franklin and produced automobiles from 1902 through 1934. The Franklin automobiles were renowned for their air-cooled engine and the use of lightweight components.

The 1933 Franklin product line included the Olympic, offered as a sedan, coupe, and convertible coupe all resting on a 118-inch wheelbase platform. Prices ranged from $1,400 to $1,500. The Airman, with a 132-inch wheelbase, was available as a 5- and 7-passenger sedan, coupe, club sedan, victoria Brougham, Oxford Sedan, speedster, and limousine. Prices ranged from $2,400 for the Oxford Sedan and rose to $2,700 for the Limousine. Both the Olympic and the Airman were powered by a six-cylinder engine offering 100 horsepower.

The top-of-the-line 1933 Franklin model was the Twelve, powered by a V-12 engine and resting upon a 144-inch wheelbase platform. Body styles included a 5- and 7-passenger sedan, limousine, and club brougham. Prices ranged from $3,900 to $4,200.

Franklin had produced 14,432 vehicles in 1929, falling to 1,011 in 1933. The company's demise occurred the following year after 360 vehicles were built. The Great Depression brought an early end to many automakers, along with increased competition from other marques.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020