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World Champion Thomas Flyer Automobile is back in Buffalo through August 6

By Queenseyes

 Buffalo Rising, July 5, 2023

The American car that won the 1908 NY to Paris Automobile Race – beating a German team (2nd), and the Italians (3rd) – in what’s considered one of the greatest automobile feats of all time, is back home in Buffalo, where it was manufactured. 

The world champion 1907 Thomas Flyer has made its esteemed return trip, and is now proudly displayed at The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum through August 6.

This is the same car that President Theodore Roosevelt prompted E.R. Thomas to enter into the race at the last minute. Straight from manufacturer E.R.Thomas Motor Company, the Thomas Flyer hit the road, to embark upon a sensational 13,000 mile journey, which took 169 days to complete (February 12 – July 30). The car ended up beating its five competitors by a whopping 26 days!

It was thanks to a team of three drivers that this fete was accomplished, including Buffalo-born mechanic and pilot George Schuster, who was at the wheel when the car reached the finish line.

Needless to say, this is a very special car. So special, that, according to The Buffalo Transportation-Pierce Arrow Museum, the week of July 24 – July 30, 2023 has been designated “Thomas Flyer Week” in Buffalo to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of the 1908 NY to Paris Automobile Race. Many special events are planned to celebrate. Thomas automobile owners, from as far away as Australia, are bringing their cars to Buffalo for this once in a lifetime gathering. There will be 20 Thomas Flyers on display, which is an unprecedented number to come together at a single instance.

As Buffalo rallies around the Thomas Flyer automobile that made this spectacular journey, and captured the collective imagination (and heart) of the world, a display of related automobilia has been assembled at the Museum, to further spell out the significance of the accomplishment.

Visitors to the Museum will also come across the book The Man and Car that Circled the Globe, penned by Jeff Mahl, who is the great-grandson of George Schuster Sr. Mahl not only captured intimate stories told by his great-grandfather (who passed in 1972 at the age of 99), he also included Schuster’s personal memoir, as well as original photos and illustrations collected from around the world.

Jeff Mahl will be at the museum to give presentations on selected dates – stay tuned to social media for updates.

This world champion automobile is currently on loan from the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. It’s return journey – made possible thanks to Passport Transport – coincides with the 115th anniversary of the race. 

Over 5000 people have visited The Buffalo Transportation-Pierce Arrow Museum over the last ten days, according to museum founder Jim Sandoro. The car is that famous!