Image Lot Price Description
































2309
$0.00

1926 FRANKLIN SERIES 11A 5 PASSENGER SPORT RUNABOUT “BOAT TAIL” WITH RUMBLE SEAT.

In the spring of 1925 Jose Motors, a dealership in Augusta Maine, had W.T. “Hum” Reynolds bring a new 1926 Series 11A Sport Runabout from the Franklin Factory in Syracuse, NY to their dealership in Maine. During its’ early life the Franklin had several Maine owners including members of the Reynolds family (dealership owner). It was purchased in 1951 by Robert Reynolds until 1990 when he sold it to David Michener of Pennsylvania who was a relative of John Cichocki and stored the car in Norridgewock, ME where it has been until we picked the car up from inside their barn. With the passing of John, the ownership has transferred to his wife Betty. John Cichocki painted the body white with black fenders and re-upholstered the interior and rumble seat. The car is virtually original with the engine, transmission and rear end having matching numbers. The top bows and top are missing and at some point in its life the windshield was slightly lowered. Odometer reading 59,532 and for most of its 88 years the Franklin has remained in two families and this is a phenomenal opportunity to own this rare “barn find.” Features include air-cooled 199 cubic inch straight 6 cylinder engine with 3 speed manual transmission, frame is made of 3-ply laminated seasoned ash which is covered with steel and aluminum. Front end tubular axle with full elliptical leaf springs. Rear semi-floating axles with full elliptical leaf springs cruising speed of 40-45 MPH. Body #471, Serial # 164434-2, engine #E112657. A re-printed operation manual, past registrations and other informative material accompanies the car. NOTE: H.H. Franklin and John Wilkinson founded the Franklin Automobile Co. in 1901 and remained in operation until 1934 when it fell victim to The Great Depression. The company, maker of luxury automobiles, is credited to have been “ahead of it’s time” in its development of the first 4 cylinder engine, an air-cooled 6 cylinder engine, and the use of aluminum for lighter weight vehicles. French auto designer, J.F. deCausse, joined the company in the early 1920’s and was responsible for Franklin’s new, radical, “boat tail” body style of the series II in 1925-26. SIZE: 61″ h x 69″ d x 178″ l. PROVENANCE: The estate of John Cichocki, a professional upholsterer of Norridgewock, ME. CONDITION: Very good as noted above. We encourage interested bidders to examine the car on their own or with the help of a professional. 9-93864 (35,000-55,000) – Lot 2309


Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - August 2014
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.