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1933 Franklin Model 17 Navigation
Franklin was known best for high-quality light, nimble, air-cooled cars. In 1901, engineer John Wilkinson built a small car with an air-cooled engine but unfortunately failed to sell his brainchild. Just as he had almost given up, however, he met Herbert H. Franklin.
Franklin was so impressed by the design that he convinced Wilkinson to produce the cars under the name Franklin. Unfortunately, Franklin floundered during the Depression and the company closed its doors for good in 1934.
This fine and expensive example was introduced during the economic pinch of the early 1930s. In 1932, bankers who had held outstanding loans of close to five million dollars moved in their own representative to manage the Franklin Company. At his urging, the V-12 was put into production in the spring of that year, and it came to be known as 'the Banker's Car.'
Only an estimated 200 V-12 Franklins were built. The big sedan was a spirited performer with a two-speed rear end, but economic realities spelled the end in 1934.
During the deepest year of the recession, Franklin had a very tough time selling these cars - even at the reasonable price of $2,985. The Series 17-B had a 398 cubic-inch, V-12 engine putting out 150 horsepower.
Franklin was so impressed by the design that he convinced Wilkinson to produce the cars under the name Franklin. Unfortunately, Franklin floundered during the Depression and the company closed its doors for good in 1934.
This fine and expensive example was introduced during the economic pinch of the early 1930s. In 1932, bankers who had held outstanding loans of close to five million dollars moved in their own representative to manage the Franklin Company. At his urging, the V-12 was put into production in the spring of that year, and it came to be known as 'the Banker's Car.'
Only an estimated 200 V-12 Franklins were built. The big sedan was a spirited performer with a two-speed rear end, but economic realities spelled the end in 1934.
During the deepest year of the recession, Franklin had a very tough time selling these cars - even at the reasonable price of $2,985. The Series 17-B had a 398 cubic-inch, V-12 engine putting out 150 horsepower.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
Recent Sales of the Franklin Model 17
(Data based on Model Year 1933 sales)
Franklin Model 17s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1933 Franklin Model 17's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
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1933 Franklin Model 17
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