Description
1904 Franklin Model B 10/ 12HP Rear Entrance Tonneau
Registration No. BS8193
Engine No. 796
Chassis No. 796
VCC Dating Cert No. 2197
Specification:
Engine - Four Cylinder, 10/ 12HP, 1700cc, 3 1/ 4” Bore x 3 1/ 4 “” Stroke. Original Carburettor present.
Transmission - Two Speed epicyclic gearbox with reverse.
Body - Original, Removable rear entrance tonneau.
H. H. Franklin Co. released their first motor car from the production line in June 1902. From the outset, the Franklin brand was known for its air cooled engines and was marketed as being one of the most reliable, yet powerful cars of its time. This was evidenced by its use by many public sector workers including medical staff and doctors. Before the invention of Antifreeze, cold winters were treacherous for water cooled vehicles, while the air cooled Franklin was able to perform at its optimal levels.
In 1904, messrs Whitman and Carris drove a Franklin motorcar in the fastest transcontinental journey completed from San Francisco to New York, the journey was designed as a publicity and marketing venture that saw the pair complete the journey in 33 days. This was 28 days faster than any previous attempt. The car chosen was a 1904, Air Cooled, 10HP Franklin. Quite remarkably the car completed the 4500 miles without any major mechanical issues.
London to Brighton eligible Franklin motor cars are a thing of real rarity, with only 3 1904 examples to be known in the UK and 12 worldwide.
Offered for sale for the first time in 22 years, this quite fantastic and beautifully presented Franklin 10HP 4 cylinder motorcar. The early history of this vehicle is mostly unknown, however as so many American cars before and after it, it resided in the worlds largest private collection, that of Bill Harrah. Harrah is thought to have acquired the car in the 1950s and his vast collection featured several other later Franklin cars. Upon his death in 1978, as with many of the other vehicles of interest, engine no 796 was likely sold.
The next owner was a General R. Lyons of California, USA. His ownership duration is unclear but we have recorded that he sold the car to its first keeper in Europe in May 1992, a Mr AHF Van Slijpe who resides in Maastricht, Holland. The car was used on several events in his ownership under the registration number ZZ5603. In October 1993, the Franklin made its first appearance in the UK, with a Mr P Tillion of Bourne End. He kept the car for just 2 years before selling it to a renown Veteran car collector, Mr D Light of Bath. Mr Light, loved and cherished BS8193, subjecting the car to a complete mechanical and cosmetic overhaul upon his purchase of the car in 1995. Fast forward 7 years and the Franklin was sold to its current owner, who has since owned the car for 22 years, keeping the car in excellent fettle and completing a further 12 London to Brighton Runs, including in 2023.
Presented in dark navy guise with beautiful golden coach-lining, BS8193 also wears excellent brass work in the form of stunning Phare Solar acetylene lamps (working), new white wall tyres and plush diamond buttoned leather trimming. The car still carries its original carburettor and mixture control, a rarity on these cars, with most being lost/ replaced. The car has been maintained to an excellent standard by the Harris family who have known the car for some 15 plus years and have an excellent understanding of the vehicle.
The Franklin starts and drives well, presents excellently and would be a perfect addition to any collection. The car is sold with history file, all lamps, V5C and VCC Dating certificate.
Summary:
- VCC Dated
- 4 Cylinders
- 4 seat LTB car
- Easy to master epicyclic gearbox
- Presents in excellent condition
- Rare and unusual marque , a crowd pleaser.
For more information, please contact Tom Parrott on the details below or alternatively via
Email - using the button below
More images to follow.
