Details
FORMERLY THE PROERTY OF JAMES MELTON
1904 FRANKLIN TYPE B LIGHT TONNEAU
Car No. 302
Red with black fenders and running gear and black leather upholstery
Engine: four cylinder, overhead valve, air cooled, 107.8ci, 12hp, mounted transversally; Gearbox: two speed planetary; Brakes: rear wheel hub; Susupension: full elliptic leaf springs front and rear. Right hand drive.
In 1902 former newspaper publisher Herbert H. Franklin teamed up with John Wilkinson, a Cornell engineering graduate to produce a motorcar. Based in Syracuse, New York, Franklin cars were noted for thier innovative engineering. The advertising literature boasted that "Franklin pioneered and perfected air-cooling for the world." Throughout the entire production history of Franklin, a few basic principles were adhered to; air-cooled overhead valve engines that were mounted in a high quality, very light chassis.
Perhaps no other marque has enjoyed such undying product loyalty as Franklin. Every year, dedicated Franklin owners organize a trek to Syracuse, New York to celebrate Franklin's achievments. The H.H. Franklin Club was initially formed by everyday owners rather than collectors. Many famous aviators were enamored by the Franklin air-cooled engine. Charles Lindburgh, Amelia Earhart, Donald Douglas, Glenn Curtiss, and Frank Hawks all drove Franklins. Famous collectors such as Bill Harrah and James Melton have also dedicated portions of their collection to the marque.
The car offered here was once owned by the famous opera singer and noted collector James Melton. It was donated to the Pennsylvania State Museum in 1956, by the Atwater Kent Foundation. Atwater Kent Jr. purchased the Franklin from the Melton Museum auction in 1952. In the auction catalogue James Melton states that "This is the one that "co-starred" with Maurice Evans in "Man and Superman" for a year and a half."
This delightful little Franklin appears mostly original and unspoiled with some of the what is believed to be the original upholstery still intact. It has not been started or run in many years so no assesment of the mechanical condition can be made, however the engine is free. The side lamps and horn are incorrect for the car.
A four cylinder "cross engine" Franklin was an innovative car for its day. After a mechanical overhaul, this Franklin would be a wonderful entry for the London to Brighton Run, and one would be very hard pressed to find a more sensibly priced four cylinder, four passenger entry!
1904 FRANKLIN TYPE B LIGHT TONNEAU
Car No. 302
Red with black fenders and running gear and black leather upholstery
Engine: four cylinder, overhead valve, air cooled, 107.8ci, 12hp, mounted transversally; Gearbox: two speed planetary; Brakes: rear wheel hub; Susupension: full elliptic leaf springs front and rear. Right hand drive.
In 1902 former newspaper publisher Herbert H. Franklin teamed up with John Wilkinson, a Cornell engineering graduate to produce a motorcar. Based in Syracuse, New York, Franklin cars were noted for thier innovative engineering. The advertising literature boasted that "Franklin pioneered and perfected air-cooling for the world." Throughout the entire production history of Franklin, a few basic principles were adhered to; air-cooled overhead valve engines that were mounted in a high quality, very light chassis.
Perhaps no other marque has enjoyed such undying product loyalty as Franklin. Every year, dedicated Franklin owners organize a trek to Syracuse, New York to celebrate Franklin's achievments. The H.H. Franklin Club was initially formed by everyday owners rather than collectors. Many famous aviators were enamored by the Franklin air-cooled engine. Charles Lindburgh, Amelia Earhart, Donald Douglas, Glenn Curtiss, and Frank Hawks all drove Franklins. Famous collectors such as Bill Harrah and James Melton have also dedicated portions of their collection to the marque.
The car offered here was once owned by the famous opera singer and noted collector James Melton. It was donated to the Pennsylvania State Museum in 1956, by the Atwater Kent Foundation. Atwater Kent Jr. purchased the Franklin from the Melton Museum auction in 1952. In the auction catalogue James Melton states that "This is the one that "co-starred" with Maurice Evans in "Man and Superman" for a year and a half."
This delightful little Franklin appears mostly original and unspoiled with some of the what is believed to be the original upholstery still intact. It has not been started or run in many years so no assesment of the mechanical condition can be made, however the engine is free. The side lamps and horn are incorrect for the car.
A four cylinder "cross engine" Franklin was an innovative car for its day. After a mechanical overhaul, this Franklin would be a wonderful entry for the London to Brighton Run, and one would be very hard pressed to find a more sensibly priced four cylinder, four passenger entry!