1930 Franklin Dietrich Speedster up for auction August 16, 2014

This very special 1930 Franklin Dietrich Speedster will be offered for sale August 16, 2014. For more information contact the Owls Head Transportation Museum. www.owlshead.org

http://owlshead.org/auctions/detail/1930-franklin-series-14-model-147-dietrich-inc.-speedster

It may be me, but it doesn't look like a speedster to me.

Speedster was the Franklin model name for the car, it wasn't meant to refer to the oft- mentioned speedster such as a stripped down Model T....

Funny how some names stick with us as referring to a specific image, when in fact, it's just a name....didn't Volkswagen make a Phaeton that wasn't?

Didn't Franklin make two Speedsters models?. A 4 door sedan and a convertible 4 door sedan and if so, which one of the models is the Owls Head Museum selling? --Bob

Appears to be the sedan with a full cloth covered top.....

They are attractive cars with Dietrich bodies but for some reason do not bring a lot of money.

Well I learned something.

Thanks

Franklins are a passion car, such as Stanley's. You have to feel a passion for them, because they don't fit the standard idea of water cooled and so forth.

Also, they are usually somewhat unfortunate in appearance. Even a Dietrech design doesn't seem to save it...

Don't get me wrong, I like Franklins, and have owned a 1907 and a 1917..... But they aren't for everyone, thus the somewhat lower prices for a well engineered automobile.....

Also, they are usually somewhat unfortunate in appearance. Even a Dietrech design doesn't seem to save it...

Ouch!!

I think if you compare them to other 28/29/30 vintage cars they are attractive. Any time you compare a 20s design to a 30s design it is not really fair as far as aesthetics.

Whatever you feel about their design, you'll have to admit that Franklin owners are just about the nicest, helpful folks in the hobby.

From the owner of a horse-collar model.

I apologize if I offended anyone with the appearance comment, I really like Franklins, it's just my personal opinion that some models had visually challenged styling. I think the marque is a tremendous value in the old car market, you get a great car for the money.....and there were a lot of '20's cars that had appearance issues, as mentioned...

No offense taken, Trimacar. You are a well-respected member of these forums and your comments are always welcome. Even comments about ugly Franklins.

If we can't take good-natured jibes about our cars, then something is wrong.

Now if you really want to have some fun, I've owned 2 Fiats and a couple of Ramblers.

My sympathy, RansomEli....

Where do I send the flowers? lol

Dale in Indy

No offense taken, Trimacar. You are a well-respected member of these forums and your comments are always welcome. Even comments about ugly Franklins.

If we can't take good-natured jibes about our cars, then something is wrong.

Now if you really want to have some fun, I've owned 2 Fiats and a couple of Ramblers.

I also owned Fiat and a couple of Ramblers...

as well as the same Franklin and a few of the same Citroens which Trimacar also owned..

Quirky with exceptional engineering can be good, too !!

The most beautiful cars are the ones we own.... with a few exceptions - see above . Of course Buicks... no I'm not going there .

Robin

Hey, I owned a three wheel Davis once, it doesn't get any quirkier than that!

The Davis is cool.

Yes, unique car, and literally stopped traffic when I drove it.....wish I had it back, but the person who acquired it from me, though he might sell, values it highly...

You guys realize you're keeping this car at the Top! Looks like he picked the right forum to list it .LOL

I think it's a nice car , just not my style.