1910 Thomas Flyer K6-70 Flyabout

The E.R. Thomas Motor Company produced cars in Buffalo, New York, from 1903 to 1918.

In the winter of 1908, the French newspaper Le Matin sponsored 'The Great Race,' which began in New York, ran across the country to San Francisco, then went by ship to Alaska before crossing the Bering Strait (either by ship or by the ice route) to Siberia, then onwards from the East to Europe to the finish line in Paris. E.R. Thomas made a last-minute decision to enter one of his cars in the race, and three days before the start, a stock 1907 model was selected from the factory. A total of 13,341 miles and 171 days later, the Thomas rolled into Paris the victor. The win prompted Thomas to introduce a new line of fast and powerful 6-cylinder cars, which became known as Thomas Flyers. The 1907 sales catalogue boasted, 'You can't go by a Thomas Flyer, so go buy one!'

With the victory, the Thomas Flyer cars were immediately in demand for their amazing reliability and power. By 1910 the 6-70 Flyabout, which is the biggest and fastest model produced, cost a whopping $6,000.

This example is one of approximately 500 produced in 1910 and was purchased by the city of Chattanooga for regular use by the Mayor and for special events. After two decades of public use, this Thomas was retired and eventually taken over by the Chattanooga Fire Company, where it was modified for pumper service due to its huge motor. The car remained there until 1959, when it was discovered by Harold Coker and added to his Thomas Collection. It was subjected to a full re-restoration in 2016. With only three owners, this 6-70 Flyabout is considered one of the most original of all great Thomas Flyers.

By 1910, like so many other automakers, Thomas was fighting for sales. Their 'Around the World' feat had won them notoriety, but by 1910, that reputation was beginning to fade, and sales were drying up a little. One source of business was the 'light' or 'semi' commercial market to which Thomas delivered several of their production cars. One of those companies that specialized in transforming them for such use was the Webb Company of St. Louis.

In 1910, the city of Chattanooga took delivery of its new fire apparatus. The Webb-bodied Thomas would remain with them for nearly half-a-century. In 1956, the city parted ways with the Thomas, which at this point had long been retired from particular use and was more of a novelty. It was sold to Tommy Lynch, the grandson of Mr. Wilcox the gentleman who had originally acquired it for the city commission.

Mr. Harold Coker was very interested in the vehicle and would spend roughly eight years negotiating with the Wilcox family to retrieve the car. Eventually, his persistence prevailed, and this car became the first Thomas to enter the Coker stable. Over time, the family would own no fewer than 11 examples.

Coker commissioned a comprehensive restoration of the car. Its 'Flyabout' coachwork was built using a comparison with the car that he felt was the best representation of the model, that of Mahlon Patton of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The restoration work was completed in the early 1970s. At its show debut at one of the nation's most prominent Concours, at the Antique Automobile Club of America's Hershey Fall Meet in 1972 where it won a First Prize.

The car was later sold to David Noran and later to the current owner. During its 116-year lifespan, it has had just five owners. In the care of its current caretaker, it has been re-freshened and properly re-commissioned.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016