Airplane engine Franklin (automobile)

the 1930 franklin airplane motor in series 145

the first airplane-type motor ever employed in automobile, 1 had flown in airplane, appeared in new line of franklins introduced in 1930. revolutionary step brought air-cooled motor, franklin automobile company developed down modern form represented in aviation. engine 95 horsepower , operated in range of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) smoothness of torque , power hitherto unparalleled in automotive power plants.

the body design year new in design , ultra-modern in conception match advance of age symbolized air-cooled aviation motor. new franklin presented striking appearance, each model being distinctive , characterized new type of hood gracefully arched front in mounted vertical vanes give slender effect proportions. noted same pleasing contour reflected in body design marked deep sectioned , rounded roof. entire style effect set off staggered horizontal louvers, hood , belt moldings , use of military type visor.

two series of cars included in line; series 145 mounted on 125-inch (3,200 mm) chassis , series 147 mounted on 132-inch (3,400 mm) wheelbase. shown in year’s presentation 16 standard body models including 4 sports creations such 1930 speedster, five-passenger pirate touring, , seven-passenger pirate phaeton. of these cars in standard line , inspired recent franklin models met favor among world s leading custom car designers.

some new features concealed running boards, deep cut doors, horizontal dart louvers, original treatment of windows, moldings , paneling s, , rakish slant of windshield. speedster , 2 pirate models on 132-inch (3,400 mm) chassis , pursuit on 125-inch (3,200 mm) chassis.

the new franklin engine developed more power per cubic inch of cylinder capacity power plant of other automobile, developing greater power per pound of car weight other car in class year.

test engine in air

the ability of franklin air-cooled engine maximum power under conditions conclusively proved in test @ dayton, ohio standard franklin automobile engine flew waco airplane throughout day under extremely adverse weather conditions. during test weather cold frost formed on intake manifold, while engine warming on ground.