Model M. 31.6bhp (rated), 247.6 cu. in. overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, suspension via front and rear full-elliptic leaf springs, hollow beam front axle, live rear axle, two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

Herbert Henry Franklin was a Syracuse, New York industrialist. In 1901 he was given a ride in a car designed by John Wilkinson, a Cornell-educated engineer. Franklin was so impressed with the air-cooled car that he decided to have his company build it. A man of strong principles, Wilkinson was fanatical about weight, and this led him to dispense with cooling water and to use the lightest suspension components possible, like tubular axles and flexible, full-elliptic springs. Aluminum-clad bodies and laminated ash frames also helped reduce weight.

He also believed that beauty stemmed from functionality, not ornamentation, so during his tenure Franklins did not look like other cars. From 1904, a 'barrel front' hood was adopted, with a simple screen at the front. In 1911, to modernize the cars, flush-sided bodies were developed and a Renault-style 'coal scuttle' hood was used. There was no point, thought Mr. Wilkinson, in making the car look like it had a radiator when it didn't need one. From the beginning, Franklins had used four-cylinder overhead valve engines. In 1906, they became one of the first American manufacturers to build a six. By 1914, Franklin had moved to sixes exclusively.

A well-maintained older restoration, this Franklin presents a very nice overall appearance in crimson with black fenders. The paint exhibits a good shine, the body is straight and true and all the doors shut well. The seats are upholstered in black leather, and are supple and unscarred. There is black carpet on the floor and a black vinyl top. A set of side curtains is included in a pouch that hangs on the back of the front seat. The engine is clean and detailed, including the exposed valve train, and the chassis is restored in gloss black. The undercarriage shows considerable road use.

The car has won several awards, including an AACA National First in 1981, and a Grand National Award in 1983. Although the car has not been driven for an extended period, it is expected to be fully operational by time of sale. A general inspection and thorough servicing should be conducted before committing it to road use.

Only 1,132 Series 6 Model M Franklins were built in 1914, although only a small fraction of these are known to survive. Having been built in 1914, it is eligible for many early car tours. This is a fine example of an appealing, interesting, and very rare car, sure to please a new owner.