I was impressed when I was gathering information on the 1907 Thomas Flyer Model 35. The car was impressive not only for its huge engine, but also for the reliability that won it the round-the-world run from the US to France.
The 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70 is even more impressive. The car received a six-cylinder engine, even larger in capacity (the previous model had four cylinders). In terms of engine displacement, this Thomas Flyer even surpasses the magnificent 1910 Pierce – Arrow Model 66, only slightly inferior to the 1912 Peerless Model 60, but superior to both in power. This is the biggest, most powerful and most expensive car in the history of the brand. As you can see the main features of this car are summarized in its name: – 6 (number of cylinders), 70 (power).
Price and cost of 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70.
A new Thomas Flyer Model K cost $6,000 dollars. That was a lot of money. For comparison, Cadillac Model 30 of the same 1909th cost 1,800 dollars, but developed 25 horsepower. The most expensive modification of Thomas Flyer Model K was a limousine, which sold for $ 7,500.
Photo 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70.
With a wheelbase of 140 inches, – this is a large car with a very long hood. There are 6 cylinders, but each is 5.5 inches in diameter. The hood flaps are secured with leather straps, as they were on the Model 35.
Note the emblem mounted on the radiator. The globe is a reference to the 1908 race where the Thomas Flyer won.
The front headlights illuminate the road by burning acetylene. But the sidelights could run on either kerazine or electricity. And these were the first electric lights on an automobile. You can see the handles on the front lights. I have not found any information that says that these headlights can be removed (because they have to get gas from cylinders), but it looks very impressive. Wooden, artillery type wheel spokes were the norm for the time, but a couple years later the Model 6-70 was fitted with spoked wheels.
Interior and equipment of the 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70.
This was a very expensive car, so the steering wheel and the panel separating the engine and passenger compartments are decorated with wood. The seats are covered with leather and have a carriage-type tie-down. In the area of pedals there are dials, but unfortunately I did not find any data about their purpose.
Engine and technical 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70.
Each of the cylinders of the Thomas Flyer engine is cast separately. This was the norm for cars of those years. The engine head had a T-shape, which seems very unusual today, but was found on a variety of cars at the time.
There are four spark plugs per cylinder. This is probably how Thomas Flyer tried to facilitate combustion in the huge cylinders. Note that some of the spark plugs are screwed in from the side instead of the top.
Power to the rear wheels is transmitted by two chains rather than a gimbal – like on the Model 35. Just from the photo you can see, – how many parts of this engine are made of brass. The cooling pipes are made of this material. This material fits very well, because it does not oxidize from contact with water.
The brakes are mechanical, drum brakes on the rear wheels only. Transmission – mechanical, three-speed.
This is a very expensive, powerful and high-quality car. In my opinion it stands on the Olympus next to Pierce-Arrow and Peerless. It is one of the least known car brands from America, but it is an amazing car and I wish people knew about it.
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