Representing America, the Thomas Flyer was also a solo entry for its country.
Unlike all the other cars, each built specifically for The Great Race, the ‘Flyer’ was a last-minute entry. Just three days before the start of the race, E.R. Thomas sent a telegram to his Buffalo plant and directed Production Manager George Whiteside to choose from the four completed cars on the lot.
Mr. Whiteside selected the most powerful and sturdy – a 1907 Model 36, four-cylinder, four-speed transmission, 60 horsepower Flyer. It could top 60 miles per hour on a good road.
