A Thomas Flyer...From Good to Great
/Days left to start of tour: 259
Thomas Flyer KC-670 Front View
The name E.R. Thomas was forever immortalized when they won the 1908 New York to Paris Race and these vehicles are right at home on a Pathfinders Transcontinental Tour. Although a small number of Thomas Flyer’s still exist today, none are being setup for touring like the Chattin’s 1911 KC-670. They have taken a nicely restored touring car and made the tough decision to tear into all the mechanical components and truly bring this vehicle to the next level.
For all the hood length, the Thomas Flyer body is actually quite small and adding an external trunk was a must for additional storage on the long journey ahead. The engine has been removed and is being completely rebuilt including a complete set of newly cast cylinder jugs and a counterbalanced crankshaft from Moldex in Redford MI. They have also hidden a set of Wilwood disc brakes under the rear floor to bring this large machine to a quick stop when necessary. As you can see, the Chattin’s are restoring a car to a level that lets them enjoy their adventures and, (do I dare say?) not spend a lot of time tinkering with gremlins on the side of the road.
We hear a set of wire wheels is in the future for this Thomas and they are sure to really “set it off”. Special thanks to David Staadt and his fantastic team at the Simplex Garage who are handling this detailed restoration as well as the Chattin’s for taking the time to provide this update.