1934 Franklin Twelve Series 17 7-Passenger Sedan

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 gave Franklin its 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.

Franklin was one of the first automakers to refine the air-cooled engine, and this Franklin Series 17 Model 173 represents one of the very last air-cooled engines of the era.

There was only one 12-cylinder air-cooled car ever produced and fewer than 200 V-12 Franklins were made. They came in four body styles: five- and seven-passenger sedans, limousines, and two-door club brougham. The seven-passenger sedan and limo had jump seats. The limo added a divider window.

This example is founded on a long 144-inch wheelbase with a 398 cubic-inch V12 air-cooled engine. In 1937, D. Cameron Peck purchased the car for his extensive collection and drove it regularly. The current owner acquired the car in the late 1960s and began a thorough and exacting restoration. During this process it was discovered that the hand-built seven-passenger LeBaron body was constructed using small individual pieces meticulously welded together, using lead to finish and trim. Still a reliable tour car, this Franklin represents the perfect union of restoration coupled with preservation.