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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 Manufacturing Company initiated a strong advertising campaign that promoted their high quality and lightweight vehicles. Their engineering was progressive and introduced many new features. Wilkinson used a wooden frame constructed of three-ply laminated ash. The benefits were two-fold; decreasing the weight of the vehicle and providing a better material to absorb shocks. Aluminum bodies also aided in his quest for reduced weight.
His belief was function over form, meaning that he favored a cars abilities rather than its beauty. This resulted in his cars having their own unique appearance. Since the cars required no radiator due to air-cooled methods, their front end was bound to look different that most other vehicles on the roadways. A 'barrel front' hood was adopted in 1904. By 1911 the cars were given a more modern appeal with flush-sided bodies and Renault-style 'coal scuttle' hood.
The Franklin Manufacturing Company initiated a strong advertising campaign that promoted their high quality and lightweight vehicles. Their engineering was progressive and introduced many new features. Wilkinson used a wooden frame constructed of three-ply laminated ash. The benefits were two-fold; decreasing the weight of the vehicle and providing a better material to absorb shocks. Aluminum bodies also aided in his quest for reduced weight.
His belief was function over form, meaning that he favored a cars abilities rather than its beauty. This resulted in his cars having their own unique appearance. Since the cars required no radiator due to air-cooled methods, their front end was bound to look different that most other vehicles on the roadways. A 'barrel front' hood was adopted in 1904. By 1911 the cars were given a more modern appeal with flush-sided bodies and Renault-style 'coal scuttle' hood.
1908 Franklin Model G |
|
| Year | 1908 |
| Make | Franklin |
| Model | Model G |
| Body Style | Runabout |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Air-Cooled | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 201.00 CU IN. | 3294.4 cc. | 3.3 L. |
| Horsepower | 20.00 HP (14.7 KW) |
| HP / Liter | 6.1 BHP / Liter |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| View more photographs |
| Similar Automakers |
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| Franklin History |
| Other models by Franklin |
| View Specifications |
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| Articles and Event Coverage |
| 19th Annual Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States |
| Additional Resources and Links |
| Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States Official Website |
| Other Model Years |
| 1912 Model G |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com