One of Two Surviving Worldwide: 1931 Franklin Series 15, Model 153 Oxford DeLuxe Sedan
An Award-Winning, Coachbuilt CCCA Full Classic - Pristine Condition with Seamless U.S. to Swedish Provenance.
Chassis No: 53205152L19
Engine No: 155679
Body No: 466 (Walker Body Company)
Mileage: Only ~6,864 miles since a comprehensive engine rebuild.
Location: Kalmar, Sweden (Global shipping and export arranged)
An opportunity for the discerning global collector to acquire a rolling masterpiece from the pinnacle era of American luxury. This 1931 Franklin Model 153 Oxford DeLuxe Sedan features a coachbuilt body by the Walker Body Company based on a highly influential design line by Ray Dietrich. Authenticated by the H.H. Franklin Club, this vehicle is one of only two known examples in the world of this specific body style and believed to be the only roadworthy example left.
Franklin cars were legendary for their lightweight engineering, aviation-inspired design, and advanced air-cooled powerplants. The Model 153 was Franklin´s 1931 flagship, utilizing the long 132-inch deluxe chassis, sweeping low body lines, a sloped windshield, and an integrated roof line that eliminated the need for an external sun visor.
Documented Transatlantic Lineage
This vehicle boasts an unbroken, world-class provenance, transitioning from high-profile American collections into a meticulously curated Swedish era.
The West Coast and Louisiana Era: The car was preserved by the Cowan family in California, later re-entering collector circles via Max D. Foster in Van Nuys. In the 1990s, it was acquired by Clifford M. Bayer, a civil engineer, former U.S. Air Force Captain, and dedicated CCCA member. Bayer spearheaded a monumental, decade-long, body-off restoration to exacting factory specifications.
1999 CCCA Grand Classic Triumph: After its restoration, the car competed in the CCCA Southwest Grand Classic in Arlington, Texas. Judged by marquee experts, it scored 97.5 out of 100 points, winning First Prize in the Primary Division and achieving prestigious CCCA Senior Status (Senior Badge number 2215).
Published History: Featured in the reference book, The Classic Era by Beverly Rae Kimes.
Museum Exhibition: In the early 2000s, under the stewardship of Stephen Morgan, the car was exhibited at the Automotive Heritage Museum in Kokomo, Indiana. It was also chronicled on ESPN´s program Legends of the Road.
The California Concours Years: Acquired in 2004 by Larry L. Jobe, it actively participated in California West Coast events, including the Concours d´Elegance at Ironstone Winery.
The Swedish Chapter (2013-Present): Imported to Sweden in 2013. Following its acquisition by a Swedish collector in 2015, the car is currently for sale by the family. It has continued its winning streak in Europe, with multiple 1st Prize awards at American Days (2023 and 2024). It was even personally commended by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during a royal public showing at Solliden Palace. It was featured in "Nostalgia Magazine” (SWE).
Condition and Technical Specifications
Official Certificate and Exemption: The vehicle has undergone a comprehensive physical inspection by an independent vehicle expert appointed by Sveriges Handelskamrar. The inspector rated the car as a 99.8 percent perfect. Furthermore, the car has passed the Swedish vehicle inspections and is now permanently exempt from future Swedish roadworthiness tests.
Engine: Franklin´s iconic 274.2 cu. in. air-cooled overhead-valve (OHV) inline-6 producing 100 hp. Rebuilt by specialist John F. Brady in 2002, it runs smoothly and benefits from individual cylinder shrouds and automatic bimetallic front shutter flaps.
Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission featuring Franklins famous, whisper-quiet Silent Third gear, paired with a smooth dry single-plate clutch.
Exterior: Spectacular two-tone Pyroxylin nitrocellulose lacquer in Grey and Cobalt Blue with hand-drawn pinstriping. Accented by brilliant nickel-plated brightwork, wood-spoked 19-inch wheels, dual fender-mounted spares, and a rear-mounted vintage travel trunk.
Interior: Complete, leather upholstery in a blue-grey hue. The driver-angled dashboard is crafted from genuine walnut veneer, housing complete instrumentation including a speedometer, oil/fuel levels, and an integrated clock. Rear passengers enjoy plush armrests, a folding center armrest, footrests, a vanity mirror, and an integrated smoking set.
Discreet Modern Road Upgrades: Professionally adapted for modern driving safety with hidden front/rear orange turn signals, brake/reverse lights, and an auxiliary electric fuel pump installed in 2017.
Premium Period Accessories: Equipped with dual vintage Trippe Speedlight driving lamps and an authentic Masco engine-compartment car heater.
Cosmetic Transparency and Imperfections
While maintained to a Concours standard, for absolute transparency, the seller notes the following minor aesthetic flaws which are explicitly pointed out in the accompanying photographs:
Paint Blemishes: There are a few minor paint blemishes, likely stemming from the original surface preparation prior to painting. These are located on the driver door, on the panel just forward of the driver door, and on the passenger side below the rear window.
Chrome Condition: The chrome plating has slightly peeled/separated at the bottom edge of the windshield on the passenger side.
Roof Area: There is a minor cosmetic imperfection on the roof that appears to have been filled and sealed.
Overall: Aside from these specific points, the car exhibits only normal, light patina consistent with careful use and enjoyment since its master-class restoration.
Monumental Historical Archive and Spares Included
The sale includes a vast, multi-box historical archive that anchors the car´s pedigree and investment value:
Comprehensive photo albums, including some photos from the restoration.
Original CCCA judging sheets, point protocols, and extensive correspondence with the H.H. Franklin Club.
Notes from past owners and a custom operating manual detailing start-up and driving procedures.
A vast library of historical literature, including the original 1931 Franklin Series 15 Deluxe color sales brochures, multiple editions of Air Cooled News, and service manuals.
A collection of spare components, including a carburetor, ignition pieces, electrical elements, and the original vintage tires preserved for historical reference.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire what is arguably one of the most thoroughly documented, awarded, and pristine examples of an air-cooled Full Classic in the world. Fully sorted and ready for exhibition on the global Concours stage or enjoyment on touring roads.
Location, Export and Payment Options
Physical Location: Sweden – offered worldwide.
Global Shipping: We provide logistical support, export paperwork, and fully insured, enclosed transport. Note: Shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility, unless negotiated as part of the final agreement.
Transaction Support: We officially represent the owner and offer step-by-step guidance for the buyer.
Secure Payments: Wire transfers can be processed in USD (via our U.S. bank) or in EUR (via our Swedish bank).
U.S. Import Advantage: As an American-built classic, this 1931 Franklin qualifies for duty-free re-importation into the United States.
Independent Inspection: Third-party inspections welcome. A comprehensive report by an authorized inspector from the Swedish Chamber of Commerce is available upon request.
20+ Years Experience: Your transaction is backed by over two decades of expertise in international classic car trade, ensuring a seamless buying process.
Media & References: Our company has been featured in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and leading Swedish automotive press (verified links available on our website). Verifiable U.S. and Swedish references can be provided.
For more information and photos, including the evaluation report from Sveriges Handelskamrar, or to arrange a viewing, please contact us.
