The National Automobile Museum‘s 1907 Thomas Flyer, winner of the famous 1908 New York-to-Paris automobile race, was inducted into a permanent archive of significant historic automobiles within the Library of Congress June 19. To honor the occasion, the City of Reno will declare Sept. 21, 2016 “1907 New York to Paris Thomas Flyer Day”.
The Thomas Flyer is the 12th vehicle to be recorded under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Heritage Documentation, a collaboration between the Historic Vehicle Association and the U.S. Department of the Interior Heritage Documentation Programs.
“The Thomas Flyer is one of the most significant American-built automobiles in history,” said Jackie Frady, museum president and executive director. “After 22,000 miles and 169 grueling days, it won the 1908 New York-to-Paris automobile race as one of six cars from four nations. It was the only American entrant.”
“No automobile race before or since has approached this contest of man and machine,” Frady added. “We are extremely proud it will be archived in the National Historic Vehicle Register.”
The 1907 New York-to-Paris Thomas Flyer was the only American entry in the around-the-world race. When it won, it brought world recognition to American-built automobiles. It is currently in a permanent display at the National Automobile Museum.
“Our goal is to educate, captivate and provide unique experiences for our visitors,” Frady said. “We are proud the museum is home and host to some of the most important cars in the world, and we love to tell the story beyond the wheel.”
For details on the National Automobile Museum, visit automuseum.org.
