Franklin Airman Sport Tourer, 1924
Franklin Series 15
Franklin Series 15•
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Chassis No.: Y180777L1
Engine No.: E128552
US$44,800 USD | Sold
- 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
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.
Стоимость
164 528 AED
