Franklin Twelve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Franklin Series 17 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1932 Franklin Supercharged Twelve Series 17 Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Franklin Automobile Company |
| Production | 1932–1934 212 produced |
| Assembly | Syracuse, New York |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | ultra-luxury vehicle |
| Body style | Coachbuilt to owner's preference 2-door coupe 2/4door brougham 4-door phaeton 4-door limousine 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6,520 cc (6.4L) V12 OHV 112 kW (150 hp) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual gearbox synchromesh with freewheeling two-speed rear axle (optional) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,657.6 mm (144 in) |
Franklin Twelve (also known as the Franklin Series 17 or Franklin V-12) was a luxury automobile produced by the Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York, between 1932 and 1934. It was the only V12-powered model ever offered by Franklin and featured a distinctive air-cooled engine designed by aircraft engineer F. Glen Shoemaker. Intended as a flagship competitor to other multi-cylinder luxury cars of the era, the V-12 arrived too late during the Great Depression and contributed to the company's demise. Production totaled approximately 212 vehicles.[1]
Engine
The Franklin Automobile Company, founded in 1902 by Herbert H. Franklin, was renowned for its innovative use of air-cooled engines and lightweight construction techniques, including extensive aluminum components and full-elliptic springs. By the early 1930s, however, the company faced severe financial pressures from the 1929 stock market crash, overexpansion, and mounting debts. Bank-appointed management overruled engineers' preference for a lightweight chassis, resulting in a heavier vehicle that deviated from Franklin's traditional emphasis on nimble handling. The V-12 was introduced on April 1, 1932, as Franklin's response to competitors such as Cadillac, Packard and Pierce-Arrow, which offered multi-cylinder luxury models. It was the company's final new engine design before production ceased in 1934.[2]
The Franklin Twelve was an air-cooled, 60° V12 engine with overhead valves designed primarily by aircraft engineer F. Glen Shoemaker. It featured individually finned cast-iron cylinders mounted on an aluminum crankcase, with aluminum cylinder heads. Cooling was provided by a Sirocco-type fan mounted at the nose of the crankshaft, which directed airflow through carefully engineered steel shrouding. Twin camshafts (one per bank) operated the valves via pushrods. Some contemporary descriptions referred to a "supercharged" effect from the fan ducting, but reliable sources describe it as naturally aspirated with enhanced airflow assistance.
Specifications Configuration:
- Air-cooled 60° V12, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
- Bore × Stroke: 3.252 in (82.6 mm) × 4.000 in (101.6 mm)
- Displacement: 398 cu in (6,520 cc)
- Compression ratio: 5.1:1
- Power output: 150 hp (112 kW) at approximately 3,100 rpm
- Torque: Approximately 260 lb·ft (352 N·m) at low rpm (estimated)
- Fuel system: Single Stromberg downdraft carburetor (some models)
- Cooling: Forced air via crankshaft-driven fan and shrouds
The engine was engineered for smoothness and reliability, drawing on Franklin's aircraft-engine experience, but the heavy overall vehicle weight (around 6,000 lb / 2,700 kg when fully equipped) limited performance and handling compared to earlier Franklin models.
Chassis and Body
The Series 17 rode on a long wheelbase chassis of approximately 144 inches (3,658 mm). Early engineering plans called for Franklin's traditional lightweight construction and full-elliptic springs, but production models used a heavier frame with semi-elliptic leaf springs and semi-floating axles. Advanced features for the era included synchromesh transmissions, freewheeling, and hydraulic brakes (one of the first applications in some contexts).[3] Body styles included luxurious sedans (five- and seven-passenger), club broughams, phaetons, coupes, and limousines. Styling drew influences from coachbuilders such as LeBaron (including an aggressive vee grille and slanting windshield on some) and Dietrich. Interiors featured high-end materials like African mahogany trim and aircraft-style instrumentation. Prices ranged from approximately $2,885 to $4,185 (or higher for custom bodies), positioning the car firmly in the luxury segment.
.jpg)