Franklin was an American automobile manufacturer based in Syracuse, New York, building cars from 1902 until 1934. The company was a genuine pioneer, committing to air-cooled engines and lightweight construction at a time when nearly every other builder used water cooling, and it earned a loyal following among engineering-minded owners.

Franklin's air-cooled inline engines were smooth and dependable, and the marque became known for quiet refinement rather than raw speed. After car production ended, the engine business lived on as the Franklin Engine Company, building air-cooled engines for aircraft and helicopters, and it was even involved in the engine project for the Tucker automobile. The marque's air-cooled engineering earned respect from owners who drove in climates where water-cooled cars could freeze or overheat.

Workshop manuals for Franklin cover the air-cooled engine, the cooling and lubrication systems designed without radiators, carburetion and ignition, transmissions and running gear, electrical systems, torque specifications and the specialised maintenance these early cars require. Franklin owners also need guidance on the unusual details of the marque, such as its early automatic spark control and chassis lubrication systems.

Classic car restorers, museums and specialist garages working on Franklin automobiles will find factory service documentation valuable, because correct procedures and settings matter greatly for these rare and unusual air-cooled cars. With the original procedures, specialists can perform authentic work that preserves the character and value of the cars, which is particularly true for the surviving machines held in museums and private collections.