1905 Franklin Type E Gentlemans Runabout

The H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company made motor cars between 1902 and 1934 in Syracuse, New York. Herbert H. Franklin, the founder, started out in the metal die-casting business - in fact, he invented the term 'die cast' - before entering the automobile business with engineering guru John Wilkinson. All Franklin cars were air-cooled, which was much simpler and more reliable than using water.

The early Franklins were given high-revving, 4-cylinder engines mounted transversely in a lightweight chassis with tubular axles and wooden frame rails. They were sporty, quick, and agile. These Franklin 'Cross-Engine' models carried distinct advantages in performance and efficiency over the large bore one- and two-cylinder cars in similar size and price class. By 1905, crankcases were aluminum, as were body panels. The drive came from a two-speed transmission through a chain to the rear wheels.

Rugged and reliable, these early Franklins set very high standards for the day. The Type A was available with a rear-entrance tonneau for an additional $150, making it a four or five-passenger touring car.

The most unique feature of the Franklin was its use of an air-cooled engine rather than the typical liquid-cooled one. Known for its reliability and superior ride, the Franklin was produced from 1902-1934 and became America's most successful air-cooled powered automobile.

In 1904, a Runabout like this example made a cross-country trip from New York City to San Francisco in just 33 days, cutting the previous records of Winton and Packard nearly in half.