Most of that is due to the over-achieving 236 cubic inch inline-6, which had power and performance equal to many eight-cylinder cars of the day. Most of the engine is hidden under the massive air shroud, which force-feeds air over the cylinders and is fed by a massive fan on the front of the crankshaft. Other advanced features include a downdraft carburetor (now fed by an electric fuel pump instead of a vacuum tank) and hydraulic brakes, which now use a modern dual-reservoir master cylinder for safety. It starts easily and has a wonderful wooshing sound that’s totally unique, and that box on the passenger’s side is for heat, which, obviously, can’t be generated by hot water in the radiator. The chassis is also remarkable, as 1928 was the last year that Franklin built their frames from wood, not steel, and the crankcase, transmission, and differential housing are all made of aluminum to keep curb weight down. Handsome wooden artillery wheels are a graceful touch and carry vintage-looking Firestone wide whitewall tires that are the right choice.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1928 Franklin Airman (Affiliate link)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
