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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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe 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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
| Mercedes-Benz Classic: Topics for 2013 | |
 | The main topics: • The tradition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class • Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows in the 1930s • Originals – authentic vehicles tell authentic stories • Classic vehicles kept in perfect condition with Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts Important anniversaries: January 75 years ago – on 28 January 1938: With a flying start, Rudolf Caracciola achieved a speed of 432.7 km/h over one kilometre on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt motorway. This is the highest speed ever ach...[Read more...] |
| VOLUNTEERS HONOURED BY HAGERTY AT VETERAN CAR RUN | |
| UK's Leading Insurer of Classic Cars Presents 'Achievement Award' to all Marshals and Volunteers Past and Present of the Veteran Car Run Towcester, Northants (November, 2011) - Hagerty International, the UK's leading classic car and bike insurance specialist, honoured all the marshals and volunteers both past and present on the eve of the Veteran Car Run, the world's longest running car event. Hagerty, sponsors of the annual event, presented the Hagerty London to Brighton Veteran ...[Read more...] | |
| Concours d'Elegance Announces 2013 Car Classes | |
 | Concours Car Selection Chair, Brian Joseph has announced the 2013 featured classes: • London to Brighton Pre-1905 • Auburn/Cord: The One Offs • Detroit Iron: American Classic Open 1928-1934 Cadillac, Chrysler, Lincoln & Packard • Indianapolis Iron: American Classic Open 1928-1934 Duesenberg, Marmon & Stutz • Motorcycles: Bobbers • Can-Am • Vintage Nascar • Drag Racing • Past, Present & Future: Electric Cars • Most Elegant Cars • Porsche 911 - On the Road - On the Track • Honori...[Read more...] |
| From 1896 to 1986 - Nearly a Century of Automobile History to be Offered in Unique Aalholm Collection Sale | |
 | Collectors from around the world are excitedly requesting catalogues to see in detail some of the diverse and highly-prized lots that will go under the hammer during RM Auctions highly anticipated Aalholm 'without reserve' auction, 12 August in Southern Denmark. Representing nearly a century of automobile manufacturing supplemented by some fascinating lots, including a Wright Brothers Replica Plane, a 1890s Danish Royal Train Carriage and a rare, highly-prized toy train set, the single-day sa...[Read more...] |
| Auctions America By RM's Spring Carlisle Auction Kicks off 2012 Northeastern U.S. Collector Car Season | |
 | Auctions America by RM will return to the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on April 26-27, 2012, to kick off the collector car season for the Northeastern U.S. with its Spring Carlisle auction. Featuring nearly 300 American hot rods, muscle cars, classics and memorabilia during its two-day sale, the Spring Carlisle auction is held in conjunction with the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral (April 25-29), hosted each year by Carlisle Events. The auction is one of se...[Read more...] |
 1904
Franklin
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| 1905 Model A |
