1928 Franklin Airman Series 12A Seven-Passenger Sedan

Lot details
Registration No: DS 8840
Chassis No: Y172796L11
Mot Expiry: Exempt

An American luxury marque renowned for its aluminium-intensive air-cooled engines, Franklin enjoyed the patronage of such pioneer aviators as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart and Frank Hawks. Introduced for the 1928 model year, the Airman Series 12A cars featured a 3.8-litre OHV straight-six engine, three-speed manual transmission, distinctive deCausse styling, all-round full-elliptic spring suspension and four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes. Rumoured to now be the only Seven-Passenger Sedan in Europe, chassis Y172796L11 was supplied new to a Kansas-based peanut farmer who ran it daily for the next thirty-three years. Treated to an extensive `ground up' restoration by its second keeper - Paul Lupo of Los Altos, California - the Franklin remained in his care until the late 1980s. Imported to the UK early the following decade, the Series 12A has been in the current ownership since 1998. Acquired because of its originality and rarity, the Sedan was entrusted to David Royle of Staindrop for a professional repaint in 2002 and underwent a thorough engine overhaul (new cylinder liners, oversize pistons, fresh valves etc) some twelve months later. A multiple concours / show winner, `DS 8840' has been enhanced for modern road use via the addition of a stainless steel exhaust system, Bentley J-type overdrive, Eberspatcher heater, 1.75in SU carburettor, electric fuel pump(s) and auxiliary 12-volt electrical system. In addition to dynamo, starter and fuel tank refurbishments, the seven-seater has had its cooling fan overhauled by Fiennes Engineering. Kept up on axle stands in a carpeted garage between October and March for the last sixteen years, the Series 12A has undergone an annual service and thorough clean (including under the wings) whilst off the road. A testament to the care and attention which the vendor has lavished upon it, this ultra-rare Franklin is said to be `a pleasure to drive' and understandably `causes quite a stir at shows'. Offered for sale with fresh MOT certificate and history file.