Franklin cars were air-cooled, a characteristic shared with many aircraft of the time and a distinct advantage before antifreeze became available. The manufacturer was known for speed, reliability and innovation and were proud of the 69 hour cross country record set by Cannonball Baker earlier in 1928. With the Airman name, Franklin was capitalizing on the fame of Charles Lindbergh's Transatlantic flight the previous year. As a thank you a car was donated to him- which he later gave to the Henry Ford Museum. The cars were expensive to build and the company got out of the business during the Depression.
2 comments:
The Franklin was air cooled, but had a fake radiator, because people expected a car to have one, and it was felt that there would be "sales resistance" without. Just like ocen aliners had to have multiple funnwls, even if some were dummies.Tesla has managed the same issue without a fake grille however.
I think there is a market for a vinyl decal of an E type Jag grille for people with those Teslas.
Post a Comment