1905 Franklin Runabout
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The Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York, manufactured luxury cars from 1902 until 1934. Franklins were inventive machines. This 1905 runabout is distinguished by its air-cooled engine, which eliminated the need for a radiator. The engine is mounted transversely under the hood so that each of the four cylinders is cooled equally as the car travels.
The Franklin Automobile Company of Syracuse, New York, manufactured luxury cars from 1902 until 1934. Franklins were inventive machines. This 1905 runabout is distinguished by its air-cooled engine, which eliminated the need for a radiator. The engine is mounted transversely under the hood so that each of the four cylinders is cooled equally as the car travels.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1905
Creators
H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company
Place of Creation
United States, New York, Syracuse
Creator Notes
Made by the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company, which later became Franklin Automobile Company, in Syracuse, New York.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
60.61.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. Joseph W. Wilshire III.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Red
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 67.125 in
Width: 59.375 in
Length: 124.5 in
Wheelbase: 80.75 in
Inscriptions
marked on 2 brass lamps at front: ATWOOD MFG. CO. / AMESBURY, MASS. on 3 step plates: FRANKLIN on lamp at rear: SOLAR / NO. 605. on plate, right side of body: FRANKLIN / NO. A1020 / H.H. FRANKLIN MFG. CO. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.
Specifications
Make & Model: 1905 Franklin Runabout
Maker: H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company, Syracuse, New York
Engine: Inline-4, overhead valves, 108 cubic inches
Transmission: 2-speed manual
Height: 67 inches
Wheelbase: 82 inches
Width: 59 inches
Overall length: 125 inches
Weight: 1050 pounds
Horsepower: 12
Pounds per horsepower: 87.5
Price: $1,500
Average 1905 wage: $510 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 2 years 11-1/2 months
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