By 1911 air cooled Franklin motor cars were already established as a leader in the American automotive marketplace. Franklins were known for their sound engineering, guided by the principle of "scientific light weight" which helps produce, superior tire wear, great handling, and four season use in the country's harshest climates. Early Franklins proved their mettle in cross country journeys of 61 days in 1904 and just over 15 days again in 1906. In 1911 Ralph Hamlin won the Los Angeles to Phoenix race in a 1911 Model D runabout.

John Wilkinson, an 1889 Cornell engineering graduate, produced an air cooled runabout in 1900. In 1902 he teamed up with Herbert H. Franklin, a Syracuse businessman who ran a successful die casting business. The result was The H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company. Franklin's were quickly prized by motorists who had to drive their cars in the nation's toughest terrain. They were used by the Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power to traverse the desert terrain during the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct and they won the AAA two gallon mileage test registering 87 miles on two gallons of gasoline. Franklins started out as a simple four cylinder engine mounted transversely. By 1906 the engine was mounted in a traditional layout utilizing a drive shaft to drive the rear wheels.

Franklins used more aluminum in their vehicles than any other domestic maker. The engine block, transmission, and rear end were made from cast aluminum. Single cylinders were cast iron and bolted to the block. A three ply ash frame carried the drive train along with an aluminum body over an ash framework. Franklins from 1904 until 1927 utilized a service brake on the transmission which slowed the drive shaft when applied There was also a hand brake that activated rear wheel brakes.

The 1911 Torpedo Phaeton was first premiered in two stylistic forms at the 1910 New York auto show and the 1910 Los Angeles auto show. 1911 was the first year that Model D cars had six cylinder motors These narrow bodied four passenger touring's were the first car Franklin produced in Nickel trim and to also make use of both gas and electric lights. The cars were painted in two tone grey and fitted with pigskin leather. It is powered by a 6 cylinder 4" x 4" (bore & stroke) engine with three valves per cylinder, the same motor that Ralph Hamlin used to win the Los Angeles to Phoenix race in 1911, rated at 38 horsepower. The samples engine utilizes a mechanical oiler to lubricate the engine. The car has a 123" wheelbase and rides on 36" x 4 ½ tires on the front and 37" x 4 ½" tires on the rear.

This 1911 Franklin Model D Torpedo Phaeton is fully restored to the original factory specifications. This massive car, while 7'6" tall weighs only 2,700 pounds and is easily capable of touring nearly 50 miles per hour.

This is the sole surviving 1911 Model D Torpedo, while two 1912 Model D Torpedo's (4 cylinder) also survive, however neither is in restored condition. This car was owned and restored by John Kallstrom of Tigert, Oregon, a noted west coast restorer, who owned the car for approximately 30 years. The current owner purchased the car from the Kallstrom family. The car has recently had a restoration of the drive train by Mac Dufton of Clearfield, PA, that includes some engine bearings, new valves, internal splash plates, and carburetor rebuilding.

The car is in ready touring condition, and completed the 87 mile countryside tour at the 2009 Glenmoor Gathering where it was awarded Best Veteran car.