1910 Thomas Flyer M6-40 Touring

Prior to manufacturing automobiles, Erwin Ross (E.R.) Thomas was in the bicycle business. During the 1890s, E. R. was the managing director for H. A. Lozier & Co. who produced the Cleveland bicycle. Realizing the potential in the newly introduced automobile business, he left Lozier to take over the Buffalo Automobile and Auto-Bi company, which had a reputation for producing bicycles and motorcycle engines. In 1900, E.R. changed the name of the company to Thomas Auto-Bi. The following year, Thomas claimed to have built more air-cooled motors than anyone else. In 1903, E.R. introduced the first Thomas automobiles. They were small runabouts, like so many other automakers at the time, positioned mid-market.

Along with a solid reputation for durability and speed, E.R. finished his vehicles in bright colors and used large amounts of ornate brass accessories to further highlight his creations. The company's notoriety was taken to new levels in 1908 when it won 'The Great Race.' The route went from New York across the United States to San Francisco. The vehicles were then shipped to Alaska, and across the Bering Straight, either by ship or by ice to Siberia.

The Thomas-Flyer used to win the race was a stock 1907 model that was selected from the factory lot. 13,341 miles and 171 days later, the Thomas rolled into Paris ahead of its competition and into the history books.

In September of 1909, the light six Model M was introduced for the 1910 model year. The Model M was an improvement over the previous year's Model L. They had a new T-head engine which replaced the L-head design. They had a larger hood and radiator to house the 40-horsepower powerplant, though, in reality, it produced a maximum of 64 horsepower at 1500 RPM.

To showcase the potential of the new engine, a Model M was stripped of all of its gears except high and reverse from the transmission. The car was driven from Buffalo over the Berkshires, the White Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks and back to Buffalo. This incredible accomplishment was done all in top gear.

Chassis no. 380
This Thomas Flyer was purchased new by Mr. Sachreter on May 5th of 1910 as a gift for his son. Mr. Sachreter used the car until 1918 when he left to serve in the Army during World War I. Upon his return, his father had a new Marmon waiting for him. The Thomas would remain in its laid-up state, on blocks, for the next 39 years. In the 1950s, the car was in need of refurbishment, and Mr. Sachreter entrusted HCCA members Jack and Barbara White with the work. A short time later, the car was back in working condition. In 1958 it made its first touring appearance as an 'antique' at the Reno Tour. The car would enjoy many tours with Mr. Sachreter.

In the 1960s, William Fisk 'Bill' Harrah was able to purchase the Thomas from its original long-term custodian. Mr. Harrah had the paint refinished in the original color scheme. It was eventually sold during Harrah's dispersal auctions in the 1980s and has since resided in a European collection.

The car has red leather upholstery, which is original, a rear sisal mat, running boards, and an original toolbox with red-lined trays containing many original tools.

Power is from an inline 6-cylinder T-head 440 cubic-inch engine capable of producing 64 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and rear drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014