1904 Thomas Model 22 “Flyer”
The Thomas Motor Company, founded by Erwin Ross (E. R.) Thomas, transitioned from bicycles to automobiles at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting Thomas’s vision for the burgeoning automobile industry.
Prior to manufacturing cars, Thomas was the managing director for H. A. Lozier & Co., a company known for producing the Cleveland bicycle. Recognizing the potential in the evolving automobile market, Thomas left Lozier to take over the Buffalo Automobile and Auto-Bi Company, which was initially focused on bicycles and motorcycle engines.
By 1900, the company was renamed Thomas Auto-Bi, and by 1901, it claimed to build more air-cooled motors than any other manufacturer.
The introduction of the Thomas Model 22 in 1904 marked a significant departure from the smaller runabouts that Thomas had previously produced. This model featured a more substantial frame compared to its predecessors, constructed with an outside plate riveted to angle iron above and below, giving it a distinctive appearance with a series of rivets along each side.
The Model 22 was powered by a 262 ci T-Head inline three-cylinder engine, producing 24 bhp. This engine configuration, though unusual, provided high efficiency and power for its size and weight. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a chain final drive, which was a common setup for the period.
One of the innovative features of the Model 22 was the Thomas Safety System, which included a ratchet mechanism on the back axle to hold the car in place on hills if the engine stopped. This was an important safety feature at a time when engine failures could easily lead to accidents on inclines.
The car also featured semi-elliptic leaf suspension and two-wheel brakes, which were standard for the era.
The Model 22 was marketed as a high-performance vehicle, with the 1904 brochure proclaiming “Beauty and Power.” The car’s performance and design led to it being christened the “Flyer”, a name that would become synonymous with the brand’s high-performance cars.
The success of the Model 22 paved the way for future models, including the four-cylinder versions that followed.
Thomas Flyers gained a reputation for being among the fastest and most flamboyant touring cars of their time. These vehicles were often finished in bright, eye-catching colors and adorned with numerous ornate brass accessories, reflecting E. R. Thomas’s flair for style and his desire to create automobiles that stood out not only for their performance but also for their aesthetic appeal.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
