1912 Thomas Flyer

  • Owner: Richard C. Paine, Jr. Automobile Charitable Trust
  • Manufacturer: E.R. Thomas Motor Company (Buffalo, New York)
  • Model: MC 6-40
  • Bodystyle: 7 passenger Touring
  • Number produced: 313
  • Engine: Six cylinders
  • Horsepower: 40
  • Transmission: Shaft Drive; four speeds forward, one reverse
  • Wheelbase: 134
  • Additional info: The Thomas Company began its rapid decline when Henry Ford introduced the low priced, quickly built Model T. Thomas felt like people would prefer the ‘high-class” vehicles and the “low-class” automobile would fade away. In 1910, only 913 Thomas Flyers were sold, while 356,000 Ford Model T’s were sold. The company went into receivership in 1913, was purchased by Empire Smelting & Refining, and shut down c. 1919.