Vehicle Description
Founded in Syracuse, New York, at the turn of the 20th Century,
Franklin is best known for its unwavering commitment to the
air-cooled engine. From its very first effort in 1902 - a runabout
boasting a transverse, overhead-valve engine, wooden frame, and
fully elliptic springs - Franklin showed incredible promise and
engineering acumen. About a dozen Franklins were built in the first
year, and orders quickly multiplied as the company got off the
ground. Such popularity was undoubtedly helped by their
record-shattering 1904 transcontinental run, completed in under 16
days, slashing Winton and Packard's previous records nearly in
half. Franklin rapidly developed a reputation for quality,
refinement, and durability, with legions of fiercely loyal owners.
The innovative Franklin was often at the cutting edge of motoring
technology, adding shaft drive and 3-speed selective gear
transmissions in 1905, a seven main-bearing six-cylinder in 1906,
and aluminum pistons by 1915. The 1906 cars heralded the arrival of
the distinctive barrel-shaped hood and round grille, which lasted
until 1910 when they switched to a Renault-style sloping hood.
Franklin expanded their range to include several models, with the
six-cylinder Model H reserved as the company flagship. This 1909
Model H Cape Top Runabout is one of just a handful of surviving
"barrel-hood" Franklins and is likely the only 1909 Model H in
existence. It was the company's largest and most potent offering
that year, belting out 42-horsepower from its mighty air-cooled
inline-six. With its 127-inch wheelbase chassis and 27-inch wheels,
the Model H is an impressively large machine, yet the minimalist
3-passenger runabout body ensures brisk performance. Per the
accompanying documentation, Mr. Kenneth Butler of Mendota,
Illinois, acquired this Model H around 1960. Mr. Butler was a
newspaperman and publisher, as well as an avid motorcar and antique
aficionado. He once served as chairman of the Glidden Tour, and he
housed his impressive collection of vehicles in the "Time Was
Museum" from 1967 until 1989. After Butler's passing in 1989, Frank
Kleptz acquired the Franklin when the museum was closed and the
collection liquidated. As offered today, the Model H has lost none
of its presence. It is a wonderfully preserved automobile,
displaying an appealing patina to the paintwork and extensive brass
trim. Brimming with character, it proudly wears badges from the
1957 and 1958 AACA Granville Rallies and one noting its completion
of the 1956 installment of the challenging Glidden Tour. Notable
features include the wooden chassis rails, distinctive "cape" top,
period-correct brass lamps, and the Mother-in-Law seat on the rear
deck - reserved for a single courageous passenger. The ingenious
air-cooled six-cylinder presents well, displaying some moderate
surface corrosion on the individually cast cylinders. After some
time in storage, the engine has been carefully returned to life,
and the grand Franklin has proven to be a good runner, with the
gearbox and braking systems working respectably well. The lack of a
water-based cooling system keeps weight and complexity to a
minimum, ensuring brisk performance and reliable running in a wide
range of conditions. In fact, Franklin was so confident in their
cooling system's effectiveness that they never installed
temperature gauges in any of their cars! Frank was particularly
fond of this powerful, high-performance Franklin, and we are sure
its next caretaker will share the same passion for this distinctive
brass-era motorcar. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6848-1909-franklin-model-h-cape-top-runabout/
