1905 Franklin Type E Front-Entrance Detachable Tonneau
Generously Lent by Dale Balderson
The only American large-production air-cooled car company
Public endurance tests proved reliability to American market
Based on H.H. Franklin’s ‘Scientific Light Weight’ principles
In 1901, John Wilkinson, under the employ of Herbert H. Franklin, completed a model car featuring what is believed to be the first successful four-cylinder air-cooled engine built in the United States. In 1902, Herbert H. Franklin published his principles of “Scientific Light Weight,” which called for flexible construction and unsprung weight. Franklin used his principles, as well as Wilkinson’s innovative engine, to design the first Franklin automobile sold that same year. The wood and aluminum components used in Franklin cars were not only lightweight but also provided excellent shock absorption and created a super smooth ride! Their first air-cooled systems used a crankshaft-mounted turbine to draw cool air through the grille and force it through an air duct which led to the engine cylinders. Copper, rather than steel, cooling fins were used on the engine due to increased conductivity, and resulted in more efficient cooling, causing greater engine power.
Early Franklins used transverse-mounted and air-cooled 4-cylinder engines which revved highly: Combined with a lightweight ash wood frame and aluminum engine and body components, they were considered sporty and agile. These “Cross-Engine” models outperformed one and two-cylinder models of similar size/price classes and set high standards for air-cooled systems. Early Franklins were mainly of this four-cylinder “cross-engine” design, though six-cylinder models were produced starting in 1906.
Franklin advertising emphasized the quality of Franklin parts and their manufacturing integrity. The company also participated in several publicity stunts throughout its lifetime, which proved the reliability and strength of air-cooled systems to a public audience: In 1904, a Franklin roadster drove from coast to coast in 33 days(half of the prior record). Just two years later, a six-cylinder Franklin would halve that record, making the trip in just 15 days.
With a reputation for expensive-to-purchase (the Model D on display cost $2,500 in-period, or about $90,000 in 2025 dollars!) but inexpensive-to-run cars, Franklin achieved moderate success until the Great Depression began. Slowing sales compared to bigger names like Packard & Cadillac, continuation of the ‘craft shop’ approach, and low profits led to Franklin’s closure in 1934. Though the company has been out of business for over 90 years and most manufacturers have long since moved to liquid cooling, Franklin is often considered the best and last in American air-cooled power.
Specifications:
Engine: Transverse-mounted 107.8 cu in inline 4-cylinder, pushrod overhead valves
Power: approx. 12 hp
Transmission: 2-speed planetary
Suspension: Fully Elliptic Leaf
Brakes: 2-Wheel Rear Drum and Transmission Brake