For Sale: 1933 Franklin Airman 16-B Sedan - $22,500 (Lyncourt, NY)

[classiclines]

Not Mine

https://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/d/syracuse-1933-franklin-airman-16-sedan/7551377136.html

1933 Franklin 16B Sedan, these were built right here in Syracuse. They are air-cooled and very rare! I have heard different numbers quoted- possibly only 17 were built, and 3 known to exist today.

This year it’s had the engine fan rebuilt, a wire set, plugs, electronic ignition, and a new Interstate battery installed. In the last couple years it had the carburetor rebuilt, fuel tank removed and cleaned, and brakes overhauled as well. It starts, idles and runs very well. The clutch feels strong, and the gearbox shifts well. This is a very original car, which appears to be very unmolested. Lights work, horn is very quiet.

I have a transferrable NY Registration in my name, the car is registered and insured if you’d like a test drive.

I’m asking $22,500 OBO

Tim

call or text:
(315) 728-97 four five

[more pics in ad]

[cjmarzoli]

Was this Walter Miller's car previously?

[DFeeney]

I believe  in 33/34 Franklin bought Reo bodies and installed their air cooled engine.  The Reo/Franklin weighed more than the standard Reo car.  The bodies still used a lot of wood. I would be interested to know how well these cars ran if any readers can comment with their experience. 

[Gearheadengineer]

I am not an expert on Franklins by any measure, but I think this engine is missing significant sheet metal cowling. Seems like that is pretty important for an air cooled engine.

 

That said, I think it’s a nice looking car and has potential. 

[Bloo]

The Reo bodied Franklin is the Olympic, not the Airman. I think this really is an Airman like the ad claims, but I'll wait and see what the Franklin enthusiasts say.

[DFeeney]

Bloo,  Thank you for your information    I have learned quite a bit from this forum from members "More in the Know"

[58L-Y8]

12 hours ago, DFeeney said:

I believe  in 33/34 Franklin bought Reo bodies and installed their air cooled engine.  The Reo/Franklin weighed more than the standard Reo car.  The bodies still used a lot of wood. I would be interested to know how well these cars ran if any readers can comment with their experience. 

Hayes Body Co. of Grand Rapids, MI built the bodies for the 1932-'34 REO Flying Cloud 65 and 1933-'34 Franklin Olympic which were also mounted on the 1932 Marmon 8-125 for that one year:

Hayes Body Co., Hayes Mfg., H. Jay Hayes, Eastman Metallic Body, Wilson-Hayes, Hayes-Ionia Co., Hayes-Hunt Corp., Victor Body, General Body - Coachbuilt.com

 

Franklin had contracted with the Walker Body Co. of Amesbury, MA to supply a major share of their bodies.   Note, though that Walker had ended body production late in 1931, from this source we learn:

Walker Body Company, George T. Walker, Walker Carriage Co., Walker-Wells Body Co., Dietrich, Franklin - CoachBuilt.com

 

"Between 1904-1905 and 1920-24 Franklin made some of their own bodies in Syracuse, and when Walker halted its body building activities in 1931, some of its skilled craftsmen moved to Syracuse where they built the 1932-1934 Series 17 and 19 bodies inside the Franklin plant. The bodies for Franklin’s Olympic series which were shared by the Reo Flying Cloud were built by the Hayes Mfg. Co., a large Detroit production body builder."

[Walt G]

I agree with the comments that say this is a Airman series 16b not the Olympic that used the same engine but little else. Yes, the car lacks the air shrouds that are on the right side of the engine. Looks like a solid car but the structural body wood would need to be checked ( hinges where doors mount, main sills especially at the cowl,  roof area where fabric insert is nailed to ; it also needs some extensive replating - wheel lock rings, bumpers , regraining of dashboard) I am not knocking the car just want to make sure any potential owner takes into consideration what will have to be done to the car. Seems to be missing the running board metal strips and rubber inserts as well.

Once sorted these are very very fine road cars to drive for extended periods of time .