1932 Franklin Airman Sedan

For the 1932 model year, Franklin utilized the beefier chassis initially designed for the new V-12 models. Extensive use of sound deadening, new 'supercharged' forced air induction (utilizing air bleed from the cooling fan), interior trim in walnut and book-matched wainscot, and a new Synchromesh transmission with free-wheeling and adjustable 'Ride Control' resulted in Franklin's most luxurious offering to date. Quiet, smooth, and powerful, with Dietrich designs, Franklin's Series 16 is considered by many to be one of the best driving Classics of the era. While the company was gripped by the Depression and production had plummeted, survival rates are high for the 'Airman' models from 1932.

The Franklin catalog for 1932's Series 16 pictured the Speedster, Coupe, Convertible Coupe, 7-Passenger Sedan, Limousine, 5-Passenger Sedan, Victoria Brougham, and Club Sedan. Of these, the Club Sedan pioneered the architecture of the modern sedan, with its front engine, two side doors, and rear trunk. Power was from a 274 cubic-inch, six-cylinder engine delivering 100 horsepower. The factory price for the Club Sedan was $2,395.