1931 Franklin Series 15 Model 153 Deluxe Oxford Sedan
Presentation
This 1931 Franklin Series 15 is a Model 153 Deluxe Oxford sedan that underwent a multi-year refurbishment before it earned a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) National Competition First Prize award in 1999. It was featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ 2001 book The Classic Era and displayed at the Automotive Heritage Museum in Kokomo, Indiana, prior to 2004. It participated in Concours events in California before it was exported to Sweden in 2013. It continued to participate in Concours and historic events in the country, including a royal public exhibition at Solliden Palace, the summer home of the Swedish Royal Family, in Borgholm. The car is finished in gray and cobalt blue lacquer, and power comes from an air-cooled 274.2ci inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission with a synchromesh third gear. It rides on silver-painted wire wheels, and equipment includes fully elliptical leaf spring suspension as well as four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, dual side-mount spare wheels, a MASCO engine heater with in-cabin floor vents, an auxiliary electric fuel pump, Trippe Speedlight driving lamps, automatic bimetallic grille shutters, cowl lamps, glass wind wings, rear-hinged rear doors, turn signals, reverse lights, and a fold-down luggage rack with a Franklin-branded trunk. Inside, the cabin features bench seats trimmed in blue-gray leather, and interior appointments include B-pillar-mounted flower vases, a robe bar, rear armrests, and window shades. This Franklin Series 15 was acquired by the current owner in Sweden in 2015 and subsequently placed into their family’s collection. It is now offered on dealer consignment with spare parts, literature, CCCA judging sheets, a bill of sale, and Swedish registration.
This 1931 Franklin Series 15 is a Model 153 Deluxe Oxford sedan that underwent a multi-year refurbishment before it earned a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) National Competition First Prize award in 1999. It was featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ 2001 book The Classic Era and displayed at the Automotive Heritage Museum in Kokomo, Indiana, prior to 2004. It participated in Concours events in California before it was exported to Sweden in 2013. It continued to participate in Concours and historic events in the country, including a royal public exhibition at Solliden Palace, the summer home of the Swedish Royal Family, in Borgholm. The car is finished in gray and cobalt blue lacquer, and power comes from an air-cooled 274.2ci inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission with a synchromesh third gear. It rides on silver-painted wire wheels, and equipment includes fully elliptical leaf spring suspension as well as four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, dual side-mount spare wheels, a MASCO engine heater with in-cabin floor vents, an auxiliary electric fuel pump, Trippe Speedlight driving lamps, automatic bimetallic grille shutters, cowl lamps, glass wind wings, rear-hinged rear doors, turn signals, reverse lights, and a fold-down luggage rack with a Franklin-branded trunk. Inside, the cabin features bench seats trimmed in blue-gray leather, and interior appointments include B-pillar-mounted flower vases, a robe bar, rear armrests, and window shades. This Franklin Series 15 was acquired by the current owner in Sweden in 2015 and subsequently placed into their family’s collection. It is now offered on dealer consignment with spare parts, literature, CCCA judging sheets, a bill of sale, and Swedish registration.
The Syracuse, New York-based H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company was founded in 1902 and manufactured air-cooled cars until the company was shuttered in 1934. The Series 15 and range-topping 15 Deluxe were offered for 1931 and feature designs by Franklin chief stylist Raymond Dietrich, with coachwork by the Walker Body Company of Amesbury, Massachusetts.
The Model 153 Oxford sedan bodywork on this example was repainted in gray and cobalt blue Pyroxylin nitrocellulose lacquer under previous ownership, and it features gray pinstriping. Details include nickel-plated brightwork, Trippe Speedlight driving lamps, automatic bimetallic grille shutters, hood vents, cowl lamps, glass wind wings, running boards, rear-hinged rear doors, and a fold-down luggage rack with a Franklin-branded trunk by the National Auto Trunk Corporation. Turn signals and dual taillight clusters with reverse lights were added under previous ownership. Imperfections in the paint and brightwork can be seen in the gallery below.
Silver-painted wire wheels wear chrome trim rings and Franklin-branded hubcaps, and they are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown bias-ply whitewall tires. Matching spare wheels stowed in dark blue hard covers are stowed in the fenders. Series 15 Deluxe models ride on a 132″ wheelbase and feature a tubular front axle and a semi-floating rear unit as well as front and rear fully elliptical leaf springs. Stopping is handled by hydraulic drums at all four corners.
The cabin features front and rear seats trimmed in blue-gray leather upholstery along with matching door panels. A color-coordinated headliner is fitted along with gray carpets with blue piping. Additional details include walnut dash and window trim, dual glove boxes, and B-pillar-mounted flower vases, while the rear cabin features a robe bar, a vanity mirror, a footrest, armrests, and window shades.
The three-spoke steering wheel features hub-mounted controls, and it fronts a barrel-type speedometer, auxiliary gauges, and a Waltham clock. Gauges for oil pressure and oil temperature are mounted to the left of the steering column. The five-digit odometer is said to have been reset during the engine rebuild, and it shows 7k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
PatrickSchommer
Bid
Jul 31, 2026 · 16:40
Bid in the amount of $35,000
PatrickSchommer
Jul 31, 2026 · 16:40
Ballless bids will not win this one
americansculptor
Bid
Jul 31, 2026 · 16:37
Bid in the amount of $20,250
FromSwedenWithLove
Jul 31, 2026 · 16:36
@jcp911s One of my favorite discoveries while researching this car was how the Model 153 ended up winning the corporate lottery.
Franklin was preparing something even grander and enlisted renowned designer Raymond H. Dietrich to create its next-generation luxury car: the V12. 🎩 💎
Then the Depression intervened. The V12 project was postponed, but Dietrich's striking new DeLuxe body was already finished. Rather than let it go to waste, Franklin mounted it on the existing six-cylinder Model 153. ✨
Already the company's flagship for 1931, the car suddenly found itself wearing a body designed for the future. 🎟️ 🍀 😺
/Owner's daughter
Franklin was preparing something even grander and enlisted renowned designer Raymond H. Dietrich to create its next-generation luxury car: the V12. 🎩 💎
Then the Depression intervened. The V12 project was postponed, but Dietrich's striking new DeLuxe body was already finished. Rather than let it go to waste, Franklin mounted it on the existing six-cylinder Model 153. ✨
Already the company's flagship for 1931, the car suddenly found itself wearing a body designed for the future. 🎟️ 🍀 😺
/Owner's daughter
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 31, 2026 · 16:31
We are now down to the final hour of the auction for this incredible 1931 Franklin! As many collectors know, this is an exceptionally rare opportunity, with only two known surviving examples of this model. There is steady international interest, and we have received inquiries regarding logistics from buyers across both Europe and the US. I want to reassure everyone watching that whoever wins this auction will get a beautiful car with a rich history, and we will assist you through the entire process—providing full "Door2Door" service from paperwork to delivery. Don't let this rare piece of pre-war history slip away. Good luck to all the bidders!
PatrickSchommer
Bid
Jul 31, 2026 · 15:07
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Finijofe
Bid
Jul 31, 2026 · 15:03
Bid in the amount of $15,250
jcp911s
Jul 31, 2026 · 01:41
Jags...
Yes, these were quite sophisticated, and high quality cars in their day..
Yes, these were quite sophisticated, and high quality cars in their day..
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 30, 2026 · 16:50
For any European bidders interested in this Franklin: We can easily arrange fully enclosed transport within Europe to deliver the car safely to your doorstep. Feel free to hit the "Contact Seller" button for a shipping quote. Payment can be made in either USD or EUR.
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 30, 2026 · 16:45
Just a quick clarification on the history: after its time at the Automotive Heritage Museum, the car actually returned to California for a period before it was ultimately sold and exported to Sweden, where it is now being offered on the global market.
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 30, 2026 · 03:15
Buyers can easily complete the payment in USD through our US sister company and its US bank account. Since this is a US-made classic being re-imported, it enters duty-free. We will provide full assistance with all export documentation and shipping. Please feel free to hit the "Contact Seller" button with any questions regarding payment options and documents.
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 30, 2026 · 03:04
This beautiful Franklin spent a long time in California before being proudly displayed at the Automotive Heritage Museum in Kokomo. Please feel free to hit the "Contact Seller" button with any questions or if you need assistance with shipping quotes. I´m happy to help!
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 29, 2026 · 03:29
This 1931 Franklin Series 15 Model 153 Deluxe Oxford Sedan has a documented award-winning history on both sides of the Atlantic!
In April 1999, it competed at the CCCA Grand Classic in Arlington, Texas. It was awarded First Prize in the Primary Division with a score of 97.5 out of 100 points, officially earning Senior Badge No. 2215.
This achievement was published in The Classic Car magazine, and the car was later featured in the reference book The Classic Era by Beverly Rae Kimes.
I have attached photos of official trophies, the book feature, the original judging score sheets, and the Senior badge to the comment! It has been meticulously maintained ever since and remains in beautiful, road-ready condition today.
In April 1999, it competed at the CCCA Grand Classic in Arlington, Texas. It was awarded First Prize in the Primary Division with a score of 97.5 out of 100 points, officially earning Senior Badge No. 2215.
This achievement was published in The Classic Car magazine, and the car was later featured in the reference book The Classic Era by Beverly Rae Kimes.
I have attached photos of official trophies, the book feature, the original judging score sheets, and the Senior badge to the comment! It has been meticulously maintained ever since and remains in beautiful, road-ready condition today.
PatrickSchommer
Bid
Jul 29, 2026 · 00:17
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 28, 2026 · 20:27
@Jags_in_the_barn Thank you for the kind words and great insights! As the representative for the seller, we really appreciate you highlighting how advanced these cars are. This particular car is actually one of only two known to exist of this model, and it has won a CCCA National First Prize along with numerous other awards in the US and Sweden. Your tip about cross-referencing the hydraulic brakes to Dodge parts is highly valuable for the next owner. Thanks for sharing!
Jags_in_the_barn
Jul 28, 2026 · 05:22
I am amazed at how Franklins have remained under the radar for so many years. They are very sophisticated cars and advanced for the time they were made. I serviced a few for one of my clients who had a strong affinity for them. At one point he four or five in his garage.
The brakes cross reference to later Dodge parts for many of the cylinders and other pieces, making replacement relatively simple. The fact that they are hydraulic helps in everyday driving.
Some will get a great car from this auction, I hope they will enjoy and drive it.
The brakes cross reference to later Dodge parts for many of the cylinders and other pieces, making replacement relatively simple. The fact that they are hydraulic helps in everyday driving.
Some will get a great car from this auction, I hope they will enjoy and drive it.
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 28, 2026 · 00:42
@ES-175
According to the H. H. Franklin Club documentation that accompanies the car, this particular example is one of only two known 1931 Franklin Series 15, Model 153, Oxford DeLuxe sedan with a Walker body. That helps explain why this model so rarely comes up for sale.
According to the H. H. Franklin Club documentation that accompanies the car, this particular example is one of only two known 1931 Franklin Series 15, Model 153, Oxford DeLuxe sedan with a Walker body. That helps explain why this model so rarely comes up for sale.
all4wheels
Bid
Jul 27, 2026 · 17:06
Bid in the amount of $2,800
Duo-ArtDan
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 20:25
Bid in the amount of $2,600
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 26, 2026 · 18:44
@Broxtop Thanks for asking! For a dedicated 20ft container where your car is the only one inside, the estimated cost to port in Florida is $4,500, estimated handling in the US port is $1850. If you can share a container it should be less. Please note that insurance is not included in this quote. Insurance is based on the value of the vehicle plus the shipping cost. Inland from Kalmar, Sweden to Port Gothenburg is estimated to $1,500 enclosed. I don´t have a quote for inland in Florida at this point but I can look into that on Monday if you want to give me your zip code. I assume you prefer enclosed transport. There is no import duty on this car.
We will assist both the seller and buyer and handle everything on our end—including the secure container booking, Swedish export handling, and professional loading to make this a completely seamless experience for you! Please let me know if you have further questions. Thanks again!
We will assist both the seller and buyer and handle everything on our end—including the secure container booking, Swedish export handling, and professional loading to make this a completely seamless experience for you! Please let me know if you have further questions. Thanks again!
Broxtop
Jul 26, 2026 · 17:56
Very nice! I have never shipped a car from overseas to the USA (other than during military service in the 90’s from Germany, which I didn’t pay for). Can you estimate the cost of shipping this to central Florida?
Apacap
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 14:46
Bid in the amount of $2,500
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 26, 2026 · 13:15
@ES-175 Thanks for your interest in the Franklin. That flexible, ribbed hose is actually part of the original factory cabin heating system. Since Franklins are air-cooled, there's no liquid heater core. Instead, the engine fan pushes fresh air through this hose into a shroud around the hot exhaust pipe. Once heated up, the air travels through that long duct under the chassis straight to a vent in the rear floorboard to keep back-seat passengers warm. It's completely separate from the actual exhaust gas. I attached a photo of the hose in the engine bay.
Stimbo
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 12:49
Bid in the amount of $1,350
RRTNash
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 12:31
Bid in the amount of $1,101
Stimbo
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 12:27
Bid in the amount of $650
RRTNash
Bid
Jul 26, 2026 · 12:26
Bid in the amount of $500
boaboyoz
Jul 26, 2026 · 09:49
@billyblyth prego
@seller de nada
@seller de nada
Maverick99
Jul 26, 2026 · 01:09
Fabulas Restoration!!
tacshose
Bid
Jul 25, 2026 · 19:32
Bid in the amount of $100
ES-175
Jul 25, 2026 · 18:11
Wow! I love these but don't see many ever in this shape appear for sale. One question - where does that flex line seen under the car go? Is that a heater line? I assume it comes from the engine (opposite of the exhaust). Thank you.
billyblyth
Jul 25, 2026 · 17:21
@boaboyoz
Thx for the tag.
These were very highly regarded cars. They were very advanced for their time being air cooled. That was aircraft technology then. When everyone else was fretting about their radiators boiling over, this one was buzzing along on a breeze! GLWTA!
Thx for the tag.
These were very highly regarded cars. They were very advanced for their time being air cooled. That was aircraft technology then. When everyone else was fretting about their radiators boiling over, this one was buzzing along on a breeze! GLWTA!
Door2Door (The Seller)
Jul 25, 2026 · 17:09
@boaboyoz Thanks for your kind remarks. I am glad you like the 1931 Franklin. It is a beautiful example featuring a US restoration that has won awards in both the US and Sweden. As shown in the listing, the included CCCA judging sheet shows a final score of 97.5, and the National Competition First Prize plaque (#2215) is attached to the right side of the cowl. We can ship worldwide, will assist the buyer with all shipping arrangements, and have international references available upon request. Logistics and USD payments are handled through our US sister company, or payment can be made in Euro to our Swedish bank.
boaboyoz
Jul 25, 2026 · 16:40
This Franklin Series 15 is very classy, and has style for days. What a wonderful offering. GLWTA! 😎👍🍻🚴♂️
@billyblyth Bonjour! 🥂
@billyblyth Bonjour! 🥂
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