1914 Thomas K-6-90

The E.R. Thomas Motor Company built automobiles from 1902 to 1919, but their existence dates further back. In 1896, E.R. Thomas of Buffalo, New York, began selling gasoline engine kits for propelling bicycles. The popularity led to the selling of complete motor-assisted bicycles under the name Thomas Auto-Bi and under the banner of the Thomas Motor Company. The Thomas Auto-Bi was soon joined by the Auto-Tri, a three-wheeled motorcycle, and the Auto-Two Tri, a motorcycle that could accommodate three riders. The company's production of motorcycles and two-wheeled machines would continue through 1912. Among the accolades achieved was setting a new record in 1905 for a transcontinental crossing of the United States in 48 days.

Thomas automobiles quickly established a reputation for their expense, exclusivity, quality construction, and engineering prowess. The first Thomas to bear the 'Flyer' name was in 1904, applied to a touring car, and the first multi-cylinder vehicle produced by the firm. Its three-cylinder engine was vertically mounted, used water for cooling, and was paired with a planetary transmission.

The Thomas automobiles became even more expensive in 1905, and models included a pair of four-cylinder models along with a six-cylinder model. The six-cylinder model was intended to expand the company's racing credentials, and one example placed fifth in the Vanderbilt Cup elimination trials but failed to qualify for the event. A Thomas returned a year later and contested the Vanderbilt Cup, where it achieved the fastest lap and was the highest American car to finish, crossing the line in eighth place. In 1908, a Thomas Six raced at the French Grand Prix but failed to finish. The company's most significant accomplishment was George Schuster's around-the-globe triumph at the 1908 New York-Paris rally in just 169 days. The route went from New York (in the dead of winter) across the U.S. to San Francisco, then by ship to Alaska, and across the Bering Strait, either by ship or by ice to Siberia. To be certain that the Yukon and the Bering Strait would be covered in ice, the race purposely began in the winter. Many of the dirt-covered trails had never been traveled by a motorcar.

The decision to enter the race was made by E.R. Thomas just three days prior to the start. A stock 1907 model was selected from the factory lot and lightly modified. It would travel 13,341 miles and was the first to arrive in Paris, forever cementing its place in history.

The Model K-6-90
The Thomas K-6-90 was a unique model and was never formally marketed. It was built atop the Model K-6-70 that was introduced in 1908 on a 140-inch wheelbase chassis. Its 784 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine developed 70 horsepower. The K-6-90 employed an uprated power option with an enlarged 5.75-inch bore and produced 88 horsepower. After entering receivership in August of 1912, Thomas supplied its K-6 chassis to commercial truck manufacturers, and many examples were completed as firetrucks.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2022