Franklin's are often referred to as the American SAAB, designed by aerospace engineers and in homage to America's love affair with flight, these cutting-edge cars were air-cooled, aluminum bodied and seriously fast for their time. Franklins were produced from 1903 to 1934, producing over 150,000 cars during its life. Franklin turned out 14,289 across all models for the 1929 model year. The Franklin Model 130 was not just a car; it was a statement of luxury and advanced engineering during the roaring twenties. The 130 Sedan was arguably the most iconic body style, which struck a perfect balance of luxury and practicality for well-heeled buyers.
Power comes from an air-cooled 274.2ci inline-six teamed up with a three-speed manual transmission. Features include four-wheel drum brakes, 19 wood-spoke wheels. The entire car was a forward-thinking feat of design and execution, weighing in at a mere 2,800 pounds. The air-cooled engine wasn't only a striking departure of design, but it was also quieter and more reliable than the water-jacketed normies.
Drivers of the Model 130 often praised its innovative chassis design, noting how different it felt from other cars, smooth and settled when navigating through challenging driving conditions.
This 1929 Franklin Model 130 Sedan is sitting, fittingly, in an old airplane hangar, a project in waiting. Most all the components required to restore this beast to its former beauty packed inside the passenger compartment. We have ownership history going back to 1980, each of them living in California. The last known previous owner was G & D Carver of California who owned the car from 2004 to 2020.
This machine serves as an enduring symbol of automotive progress during the Roaring 20's, an age marked by tumultuous change and extravagance. Revered for its iconic blend of style, innovation, and performance - its legacy that continues to resonate with automotive aficionados today. Looking back on this remarkable classic, we are reminded that true innovation is timeless-and that this Franklin Model 130 is much more than an antique barn find, it is history on wheels.
