’29 Franklin Still Cooling Its Engines With Northwest Air

by Sam Barer

Mentioning “air-cooled engines” usually brings Porsche and Volkswagen to mind.  Some might even recall the much-maligned Corvair ran without a radiator.  Many early marques also utilized air, rather than water to cool engines.  None, however, did it with as much success as Franklin.

The Franklin Motor Car Company produced cars from 1902 until 1934, all featuring air-cooled engines.  Industrialist H.H. Franklin’s luxurious cars had a reputation for impressive engineering, high performance and smooth ride until the company succumbed to the Great Depression.

Franklin logged record sales in 1929, due in part to the success of its Model 130 in the competitive luxury “3/5 Passenger Coupe” class.  At $2149, it was almost eight-times the price of a Ford.

I was offered a rare opportunity to drive a red and black 1929 Franklin 130 Convertible Coupe which has spent most of its life around Puget Sound, the last six years being in the hands of its current owner, a Seattle attorney.

The lines of the Franklin 130 are downright breathtaking.  LeCausse was credited with designing the aluminum body, but legendary coachbuilder Dietrich participated as consultants. Walker built the bodies, which were attached to a steel frame.  In person, the Franklin looks like a Model A roadster fresh off a World Wrestling Federation steroid regiment.

While the car was marketed as seating three in front, and two in the rumble seat, it really is a two-passenger car, with room for two thrill seekers in back for short jaunts.  The rumble seat is uncomfortable, due to inadequate legroom, narrow width, and the exposure to weather and exhaust fumes.

The cabin is also confining.  Occupants over six feet tall get very well acquainted with their knees due to the lack of leg and headroom. The burgundy vinyl interior is sporty, and the elegant wood dash provides a horizontally rotating drum speedometer, as well as oil pressure and voltage gauges.  It’s an inviting space, provided that occupants are average size for 1929.

Wrapping a hand around the thick wood steering wheel, I commence the process of starting the car: turn the key, pull out the choke and push the small starter button.  The air-cooled six cylinder engine grinds to life with a rattling, mechanical sound.  I slot the long floor mounted three-speed transmission lever down into first gear.

Brakes and clutch utilize standard pedals, but the accelerator is more resembles a button, which takes some getting used to.  Clutch pick-up is pleasantly progressive, with engine torque and low gearing making it easy to get going.

The lack of synchromesh means shifting this Franklin is an art that requires double clutching and listening for perfect engine speed.  Moving the lever up and to the right, I crunch into second gear.  Luckily, second to third is an easier transition that yields a perfect shift.  I feel instantly gratified.

The Franklin 130’s 236ci pushrod engine was purposely underrated by the company at 46 SAE horsepower, a practice minimizing horsepower-based taxes paid by customers in some regions.  While many of its contemporaries failed to reach 45 MPH, this Franklin, even at 73 years old is still capable of 65 MPH.  At speed, the engine takes on a raspy sound familiar to Volkswagen and Porsche owners.

One instantly realizes why modern air-cooled engines were placed behind the driver.  With no radiator to absorb and disperse heat, the hot air from the individually finned cylinders finds it’s way into the cabin.  Luckily the front window tilts forward to allow cold air to circulate.

Although this car was factory-delivered as a convertible, during a 1970 restoration by its safety-fanatic owner, the top was fixed with wood and metal bracings. Additional fender and bumper supports were also fitted.  Ironically, not long after completing the restoration the owner committed suicide, resulting in the car being sold at auction. 

The additional weight helps make steering and stopping this 120-inch wheelbase car arm and leg strengthening experiences.  It exhibits significant body roll on its front and rear leaf springs.  Despite the required pedal pressure, the four-wheel brakes bring the car to a halt better than most of this vintage.

Driving the Franklin is involving, but fun, which is why it averages 3000 miles per year in the hands of its current owner.  It is not a car one drives hard, rather one to enjoy touring the Northwest’s scenic back roads.

But no matter where it goes, bystanders seem mesmerized by an old air-cooled engine wrapped in such a beautiful package.

Sam Barer writes for Apex, an Olympia, WA based freelance writing company. To submit a car for a future “Sound Classics” story, email soundclassics@apexstrategy.com

Other Sound Classics Profiles:

For Fun:

 

Sound Classics, the Sound Classics logo and all associated content are property of Apex Marketing Strategy. (c) 2002-2003 Unauthorized use, including reprinting or publishing online is prohibited by law.  For information on reprinting or syndicating Sound Classics content, please call 360-402-6487 or email info@apexstrategy.com