1912 Thomas Flyer MC6-40 Runabout

Prior to manufacturing automobiles, Erwin Ross (E.R.) Thomas was in the bicycle business. He was the managing director for H.A. Lozier & Co. during the 1890s, which produced the Cleveland bicycle. Recognizing the growing potential of the automobile, he left Lozier and took over the Buffalo Automobile and Auto-Bi Company. The company's name was changed to Thomas Auto-Bi in 1900, and a year later, Thomas claimed to build more air-cooled motors than anyone else.

In 1903, the first Thomas automobiles were produced. By 1905, the company was building bigger four-cylinder cars which they called 'Thomas Flyers.'

After winning the New York to Paris race in 1909, Thomas's cars were advertised as the 'Most reliable car in the world.' Starting in 1909, the sales catalog stated that every Thomas Flyer owner owned 'a New York to Paris car.' These were strong statements at the time, but they were backed by an excellent performance record and impressive specifications. The company's philosophy was to make its cars as strong and durable as possible without making them heavy.

Just three days prior to the start of the Le Matin sponsored 'The Great Race,' E.R. Thomas decided to enter. He selected a stock 1907 model from the factory lot. 13,341 miles and 171 days later, the Thomas rolled into Paris as the victor.

In September of 1909, the light six Model M was introduced for the 1910 model year. The Model M was an improved version of the prior year's Model L. Power was from a new T-head engine which served as a replacement for the L-Head unit. The T-Head engine was much larger, which required a bigger radiator and hood. Sales literature stated the engine produced 40 horsepower, however, it actually produced around 64 horsepower at 1,500 RPM.

Thomas demonstrated the reliability and flexibility of the Model M by putting it through another endurance run. All of the gears were removed from the transmission except high and reverse. While only in top gear, the car was driven from Buffalo over the Berkshires, the White Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks and back to Buffalo.

In 1911, Thomas was run by a new management organization.

In 1912, the Model M became the Model MC, and it gained an inch in the wheelbase.

The ensuing product remains a wonderful example of an American brass-era automobile. It still retains the six-cylinder engine and a triple-disc clutch which gave the car 'a more positive drive than any other type of clutch in use at the present time.'

This car made its post-restoration debut in 2015 at the Amelia Island Concours. It was then shown at the Antique Automobile Club of America Nationals, where it earned its Senior National First Prize Award at Ocala, Florida.

This car is powered by a 440 cubic-inch T-head six-cylinder engine fitted with a single carburetor and produces 64 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, leaf spring suspension, and rear drum brakes.