Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 96 ¤
1927 Franklin Model 11B "Lindbergh" Sport Coupe Chassis no. 165317-3 Engine no. E113420
Sold for US$19,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 96¤
From the Minden Automotive Museum
1927 Franklin Model 11B "Lindbergh" Sport Coupe
1927 Franklin Model 11B "Lindbergh" Sport Coupe
1927 Franklin Model 11B "Lindbergh" Sport Coupe
Chassis no. 165317-3
Engine no. E113420
Chassis no. 165317-3
Engine no. E113420
199.1ci Overhead Valve Inline Six-Cylinder
Stromberg Updraft Carburetor
32bhp at 2,200rpm
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axles with Full Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Mechanical Contracting Band Drum Brakes
* One of very few Lindbergh Sport Coupes built
* Spirit of St. Louis grille ornament
* In the Minden collection for over 60 years
* Complete and ready to restore or recommission and drive
THE FRANKLIN MODEL 11
Franklin made its market aware that its air-cooled engines were lighter than comparable liquid cooled powerplants and emphasized that difference by making the rest of the car as light as possible with aluminum bodies, tubular axles and its famous laminated wood chassis frames. The result was that Franklins performed well despite relatively low engine power.
The Model 11, introduced as a 1926 model, featured bodies designed by J. Frank de Causse and conceded to the public's expectations by continuing the square-edged, upright, conventional appearing grille that had appeared on the 1925 Model 10C. The Model 11B of 1927 added a sport coupe with a padded roof with landau bars which became known as the "Lindbergh". Lucky Lindy was a fan of the air-cooled Franklins, the company promoted the similarity of its engine with the air-cooled engines of many airplanes and its extensive use of lightweight aluminum. A year later, in 1928, Franklin dropped the use of numeric models, calling its 1928 line "Airman".
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1927 Franklin Model 11B "Lindbergh" Sport Coupe was acquired for the Minden Automotive Museum in 1963 from Nelson Holmwood of Laguna Beach, California. It is one of relatively few Lindbergh Sport Coupes built. Finished in light green with a black leather padded roof and olive leather interior, it is equipped with a wood steering wheel, body color wood spoke wheels with 6.00/6.50-20 whitewall tires, a rear-mounted spare, Waltham speedometer and Parabeam headlights.
Most charming of all, its grille is surmounted by a diminutive replica of Lindbergh's airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis. The propellor rotates in the air stream as the Franklin glides down the road.
It appears to be pretty much as it was acquired in 1963. The paint is sound but dull. The upholstery is old, with a cut on the seat back. The interior headliner is water stained and torn and the leather roof covering is cracked and aged. The engine compartment appears to be complete but is oily and aged. The Franklin has been on static display from many decades and will need extensive recommissioning before it is driven.
Footnotes
Titled under its engine number.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this vehicle is titled under its partial engine no. 113420. The engine no. reading is E113420.
Additional information
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| ¤ | No Reserve |
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