1910 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70 “Flyabout”
The E.R. Thomas Motor Company cemented its reputation with victory in the 1908 New York to Paris Race, covering more than 13,000 miles in 171 days. This triumph established Thomas as a premier American automaker and set the stage for its move into six-cylinder production, competing with luxury marques such as Pierce-Arrow, Locomobile, and Rolls-Royce.
Introduced in 1909 and continuing into 1910, the Model K 6-70 featured a massive T-head inline six-cylinder engine displacing 781 cubic inches (12.8 liters), making it one of the largest engines ever fitted to an American production automobile.
With square bore and stroke dimensions of 5.5 by 5.5 inches, the engine produced approximately 70 horsepower and delivered exceptional torque and flexibility for its era. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to a shaft-driven rear axle (replacing the earlier chain drive used on smaller models).
The “Flyabout” body style represented the most sporting version of the Model K, mounted on a 140-inch wheelbase and priced at $6,000 in Touring form. Dual ignition systems (coil and magneto) reflected the company’s emphasis on reliability, a direct lesson from its around-the-world racing success.
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