Was Air-Cooling Better? See the 1923 Franklin Series 10B in Action

Franklin vehicles challenged traditional ideas. Established in Syracuse, New York produced in 1901 by newspaper publisher and diecasting innovator H.H. Franklin, the company gained recognition for crafting premium automobiles that were thoughtfully designed for long-lasting performance,

comfort, and driving ease.

H.H.'s involvement in automobile manufacturing began after he met John Wilkinson, an accomplished young engineer who had constructed a vehicle featuring a transversely mounted, overhead valve, air-cooled four-cylinder engine, which stood out from the typical single- or dual-cylinder models used by many producers during that era. Wilkinson followed the philosophy of "scientific lightweight," believing that a lighter, more agile car would offer greater comfort, improved handling, and increased durability compared to heavier, stiffer vehicles. This approach came 26 years prior to the establishment of Lotus'. Colin Chapman Wilkinson aimed to decrease unsprung mass.

Though Franklins Although they were not seen as high-powered vehicles, their combination of power and lightweight design allowed them to perform exceptionally well on long journeys, helping them navigate difficult terrains where heavier cars might have gotten stuck. In 1904, a four-cylinder Franklin Model A completed the journey from San Francisco to New York in 33 days, cutting 28 days off the earlier record. Scientific American was amazed that the Franklin had succeeded in "...breaking all records during an extended transcontinental journey over roads, paths, mountain ranges, and through vast areas of salt flats and sagebrush." Two years later, one of the initial six-cylinder Franklins accomplished the same task, completing the crossing in only 15 days.

Wilkinson wasn't very interested in annual model updates, so he began using series numbers as early as 1917, updating them only when improvements were made to the vehicle. He also placed minimal value on aesthetics, sharing the view of architect Louis Sullivan that structure should be determined by purpose. When Franklin introduced a long-axis engine layout in 1905, which needed an additional radiator fan, the vehicles featured a "barrel-hood" style; this evolved into the "shovelnose" hood in 1911, inspired by Renault designs.

In 1922, Franklin ultimately replaced the "shovelnose" model with the "horse collar" design—not because of aesthetics, but to provide additional space for an improved, more effective air-cooling mechanism featuring a front-mounted fan. This change signaled the start of Series 10 manufacturing, although these modifications were gradual rather than revolutionary—as with the Series 9 and earlier Franklins, the new Series 10 utilized a flexible frame constructed from layered white ash wood, along with elliptical leaf springs for a smoother driving experience. Despite having only 25 horsepower, the company claimed: “Regardless of your engine power, a Franklin will outpace you on any thirty-mile stretch of curving rural highway.”

The sedan seen here Was among the seven body options available in 1923. It had a manufacturer's cost of $2,850, which made it almost four times pricier than a Ford Model T sedan, and just $425 less than an equivalent Packard Single Six. Output increased to 10,130 units, marking 1923 as the second-highest production year so far for the plant.

By the summer of 2023, Franklin's lack of interest in design caused unrest among its dealers, who felt the vehicle could achieve greater sales with a more traditional appearance as consumers became more focused on aesthetics. The movement was spearheaded by the company's distributor in California, Ralph Hamlin, who warned that he would stop selling Franklin unless the horseshoe-style grill was changed. H.H. Franklin hired renowned automobile designer Frank De Causse, previously associated with Locomobile, who redesigned the front end featuring a vertical, chrome imitation grille that might have seemed at home on a liquid-cooled model. It is said that this modification prompted Wilkinson to submit his resignation.

Even after the redesign, the new Series 11 did not become the successful model Franklin had anticipated, as delivery numbers could not match the high point achieved in 1923. However, the subsequent period witnessed some of the most refined and thrilling custom-built Franklins ever made, such as the impressive Series 17 V-12 designed by Ray Dietrich—another tale for later. Franklin was among several outstanding American car manufacturers that struggled during the Great Depression, eventually leading to the closure of the Syracuse plant in 1934.

As vintage vehicles, Franklins continue to attract enthusiasts who appreciate the unusual. The H.H. Franklin Club It is estimated that out of the 150,000 Franklins produced between 1902 and 1934, approximately 3,700 remain today. According to Classic.com, only nine Franklins have been sold in the last three years, with auction prices varying from $9,000 for a 1926 Series 11 sedan up to $43,000 for a 1927 Series 11B boattail roadster. At present, there are two Franklins listed for sale on the site. Marketplace a 1928 Model 12A Victoria Brougham listed for $18,000, and a 1929 Model 13 sedan available for $38,000.

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