1930 Franklin Series 147

The Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York was founded by Herbert H. Franklin and produced automobiles from 1920 to 1934. They are most remembered for their air-cooled engines which the company considered more reliable and simpler than water cooling. Most Franks had wooden frames; beginning in 1928, the heavier more luxurious-bodied cars began using a conventional pressed-steel platform. Another memorable feature of the Franklins was its extensive use of lightweight aluminum, and during its early years, was believed to be the larger use of aluminum in the world.

1930 Franklin Series 147 photo
Pirate Touring
View info and history
The 1930 Franklin Models included a 6-cylinder Model 145 resting on a 125-inch wheelbase platform. The Model 147, also powered by an 87-horsepower six-cylinder engine, had a larger 132-inch wheelbase and was offered in 13 different standard factory body styles. The 125- and 132-inch platforms were carried over from the prior year, although the 1929 Model 130's 120-inch platform was a one-year online offering. Prices for 1930 increased slightly, already among the higher-priced vehicles in the industry, with prices that ranged from $2,600 to over $7,500. In comparison, the sixteen-cylinder Cadillac had prices that ranged from $5,300 to $9,700, and the Ford Model A listed for $433 to $655. The Packard 733, with its 134.5-inch wheelbase and eight-cylinder, 110 horsepower engine, sold for $2,400 to $2,800. The LaSalle Model 340 and Cord L-29 had similar price figures.

The Great Depression was responsible for the demise of many automobile manufacturers, including Franklin which suffered a financial collapse in April 1934. A mere 6,043 Franklin vehicles were produced in 1930, down from 14,432 the previous year.


by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020

1930 Franklin Series 147 Vehicle Profiles

1930 Franklin Series 147 vehicle information
Speedster

Coachwork: Dietrich
1930 Franklin Series 147 vehicle information
Speedster

Coachwork: Dietrich
1930 Franklin Series 147 vehicle information
Speedster

Coachwork: Dietrich

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1930 Franklin Series 147
$7,500-$19,000
1930 Franklin Series 147 Price Range: $2,600 - $7,500

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Related Automotive News

Gooding & Company Presents the Best of American Motoring, from Brass Era Legends to Postwar Sports Cars, at Its Pebble Beach Auctions

Gooding & Company Presents the Best of American Motoring, from Brass Era Legends to Postwar Sports Cars, at Its Pebble Beach Auctions

An incredible 1912 Simplex 50 HP Toy Tonneau, offered for sale from 111 years of single family ownership, will come to market for the first time, alongside motoring icons from the greatest eras of American automotive history. The official auction...
Rare Barnfind Mercedes-Benz and Concours-Restorations Parade at Bonhams Scottsdale Auction

Rare Barnfind Mercedes-Benz and Concours-Restorations Parade at Bonhams Scottsdale Auction

A rare and special barnfind Mercedes-Benz – surely one of the last unrestored 300S Roadsters – will line up with a parade of concours-standard restorations at The Scottsdale Auction, Bonhams motor cars season-opener staged at the Westin Kierland Resort,...
Gooding & Company Looks Toward Pebble Beach with Stunning Selection of Historic Prewar Classics

Gooding & Company Looks Toward Pebble Beach with Stunning Selection of Historic Prewar Classics

Highlights include a top-of-the-line 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe, a Grand Prix-winning 1929 Bugatti Type 35B, a well-documented 1914 Stutz 4E Bearcat, and an opulent 1910 Rolls-Royce 4050 HP Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine. As...
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept Fascinates U.S. Audience

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept Fascinates U.S. Audience

North American premiere at Rennsport Reunion VI in California Atlanta, Georgia. The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept received an enthusiastic welcome at its third public appearance. Following its world premiere on June 8 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen,...
Concours d'Elegance of America : Best of Show

Concours d'Elegance of America : Best of Show

image0 The 38th Concours dElegance of America displayed over 300 of the worlds most spectacular contributions to automotive history. This year, the event paid tribute to many special features inclduing Ford GT-40s, Body by Dietrich, Rally Cars,...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.