LOT 72
1924 Franklin Airman Sport Tourer Chassis no. Y180777L1 Engine no. E128552
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 72
From the Clive and Janet Cussler Car Collection of Scottsdale
1924 Franklin Airman Sport Tourer
1924 Franklin Airman Sport Tourer
1924 Franklin Airman Sport Tourer
Chassis no. Y180777L1
Engine no. E128552
Chassis no. Y180777L1
Engine no. E128552
236ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
46bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Sprung Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*First model year of the Airman model
*A well-maintained older restoration
*A fantastic touring machine
*Ex-Harrah and Tupelo Museum Collection
THE FRANKLIN
America's longest-lived and most successful air-cooled automobile, the Franklin was the work of engineer John Wilkinson, whose innovative design, produced in prototype form for the New York Automobile Company, was taken up by Syracuse-based die-casting manufacturer Herbert H Franklin. Franklin's company sold its first car - a runabout - in June 1902 and a dozen more before the year's end. In an age when the customary power unit for such a vehicle was a water-cooled single, Wilkinson's 1.7-liter, air-cooled 'four' was highly unusual. The Franklin's other advanced features included overhead valves (inlets mechanically operated from 1905), throttle speed control, float-type carburetor, two-speed planetary transmission and full-elliptic springing. The engine was mounted transversely in the wooden chassis at first, before moving to the conventional up-front position in 1905, fan cooling being introduced at the same time on most models. Truly innovative, Franklin was among the first to adopt six-cylinder engines (1905), automatic ignition advance (1907), sedan coachwork (1913), aluminum pistons (1915) and electric carburetor priming (1921). At a time when liquid cooling systems were often unreliable, the Franklin's ability to operate in extremely hot or cold weather conferred a distinct advantage, while the lack of a water pump, radiator and their attendant hoses greatly reduced maintenance costs.
Powered by a 3.9-liter, seven-bearing 'six', the Airman, such as the 1928 model presented here, has the front wheel brakes introduced that year and the dummy radiator grille first adopted in 1925 in response to pressure from the dealer network, which demanded a more conventional-looking product. The Airman series was named after pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh, a Franklin devotee.
THE CAR OFFERED
The Franklin that we offer here is a wonderful example of very first model year of Airman.
Befitting of the name, the Sport Tourer body affixed to the chassis thoroughly supplies the vehicle's occupants with a healthy dose of wind and sunshine.
Collectors routinely follow in the footsteps of other gatherers that they admire, and the former owner of this car, Frank Spain, was one of the many disciples of the late Bill Harrah, who was noted for his penchant for Franklin cars. It was one of a number of former Harrah cars that Spain was able to secure as part of his collection which he displayed for a number of years as the Tupelo Auto Museum, this one joining in 1989.
It is unknown as to when the vehicle was restored, but photos on file, likely from the time of purchase by Mr. Spain, show the car in largely the same condition it remains today. The chrome has maintained good luster over the years, yet there is some evidence of age on the bodywork and paint (in particular.) Adding to the completeness of the car are numerous extras such as outboard spare tires, wing attached side mirrors, and side driver's lights. Greatly increasing the storage and aiding to the viability of the car's touring intentions is a large aft mounted trunk. The athletic body wears an attractive coat of rich red paint while contrasting black fenders complete the subdued look. Inside, the seats are finished equally attractive in tan.
It was Bonhams honor to handle the dispersal of the Tupelo Museum collection in 2019 and on that day, the collecting baton passed to the late Clive Cussler and his wife, Janet who attended the weekend's festivities and secured a number of souvenirs from this museum. Since its acquisition, the Franklin's engine has been repaired, is driven and annually maintained .the Franklin has received a routine check over.
With a roster of noted collectors under its belt, all are testimony to the importance of the marque in the collecting hobby, and of the many models that they made it is hard to argue that the Airman was one of the most attractive and sporting versions that they ever built.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this Franklin is a 1928.
Additional information
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