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1926 Franklin Model llA

The Herbert H. Franklin automobile was built in Syracuse, New York from 1902 to 1934. It was one of the few automobile companies that had few other significant shareholders, with its primary controller being Mr. Franklin. The company was renowned for championing air-cooled engines throughout its history, even throughout the 1920s when air-cooling was popular with potential buyers, provoking a 1923 dealer revolt. Following threats of mass franchise cancellations from its dealers, Franklin automobiles adopted larges grilles and conservative and conventional styling.

Another characteristic of Franklin vehicles was their lightweight construction, and the company was recognized as the largest user of aluminum in the world during its early years. Ash was used as a structural element, including the chassis members, and wood remained a component of construction in its chassis through 1928, when ash became scarce and the advantages of steels became increasingly compelling.

Franklin built 400 vehicles in 1904, increasing to approximately 1,500 units in 1905 and 2,100 the following year. Production would fluctuate in the 1,000 and 2,000 range through 1915 when production increased to 3,217 units, growing to 3,817 the following year. 8,985 units were built in 1917 and 6,689 in 1918, and 9,334 in 1919. The highest level of production was in 1920 with 10,552 units built, followed closely by 10,130 units in 1923. In its final year of production in 1934, just 360 units were built.

The Series 11 cars introduced in March of 1925 were the first low-profile sleek Franklins. Designs were initially supplied by the Walter M. Murphy Company in Pasadena, California and a body designer from New York City named J. Frank de Causse. The new styling was a radical change from previous designs, devoid of the tilting 'Wilkinson Hood,' and instead, outfitted by a false radiator front and traditional center-hinged hood. Several new body styles emerged including the 'tandem sport', and the 'boat tail sport runabout'. These sleek low profile cars were distinctive, advanced, and strikingly beautiful.

The Series 11 Franklin was the first air-cooled Franklin to utilize a false radiator shutter front. They were equipped with similar engines to earlier models however copper fins were used on the cylinders in place of steel, providing upgraded cooling, higher compression, and more power (from 25 to 32 hp). The cars rested on a 119-inch wheelbase and rode on modern balloon tires.

A new type of engine was introduced in 1930 which ultimately delivered 100 horsepower, and due to the overall lightweight construction of the Franklin, enjoyed one of the highest power-to-weight ratios of the time. Responding to the escalating cylinder wars of the early 1930s, which saw the number of cylinders grow to sixteen (Cadillac and Marmon) and horsepower reaching over 300 hp (Duesenberg). Franklins remained relevant in the luxury car segment with the introduction of its own twelve-cylinder model. Its air-cooled unit displaced 398 cubic inches and offered 150 horsepower.

Like many manufacturers, Franklin was unable to absorb the costs of continual development in the wake of the Great Depression and the ensuing slump in sales. In 1934, the company declared bankruptcy. Car production ceased but the name and assets were sold and production of air-cooled engines for commercial and aircraft use was continued by Aircooled Motors of Syracuse. Following World War II, the company was acquired by Preston Tucker and the flat-six engines provided the power for his short-lived Tucker automobile. After the Tucker Company was disbanded, the company was sold again.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021

1926 Franklin Model llA Vehicle Profiles

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1926 Model llA
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