Franklinite (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Franklinite was an Australian automobile manufacturer established in 1909 by Keep Bros & Wood in Melbourne, Victoria. The company initially operated as a supplier to the coachbuilding trade, recognizing the potential of the burgeoning motor vehicle market, which was increasingly being dominated by the cycle trade.

In an effort to capitalize on this opportunity, Franklinite began importing motor components and combining them with local materials and craftsmanship. The company produced vehicles featuring an air-cooled flat-twin engine, which was available in a model known as the Kiblinger, later referred to as the McIntyre. These vehicles were designed with an 18 horsepower output and utilized an epicyclic transmission system, with power delivered to solid-tyred high wheels via chains.

Despite its efforts to market the vehicles as products of the coachbuilding trade, Franklinite struggled to attract customers, particularly those who were still loyal to horse-drawn transportation. The company's attempts to penetrate the motor vehicle market ultimately did not achieve the desired success.