Franklin was the original air-cooled American automobile, built in Syracuse, New York from 1902 to 1934. Weight saving design was the core of Franklin’s approach, one of the many reasons the cars ran simplified air-cooled motors. The story behind this particular car is somewhat of a mystery, but it is a classic example of Franklin’s lightweight philosophy. The car is believed to have been rebodied at some point in its life, and shares similarities to the 1911 Franklin M Speed-Car, with its Renault-style hood and curved cowl. It is a distinctive design and shows a unique approach to sports car design in the early 1900s. Wire spoked wheels, black tires with matching spare, louvered front grille and a wooden steering wheel give this automobile plenty of character going down the road.