Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 44
1903 Thomas Model 18 King of Belgium Touring Engine no. 645
Estimate: US$250,000 - US$300,000
Lot 44
1903 Thomas Model 18 King of Belgium Touring
1903 Thomas Model 18 King of Belgium Touring
Engine no. 645
Engine no. 645
106.3ci F-Head Single Cylinder F-Head Water-Cooled Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
8 ALAM hp
3-Speed Sliding Gear Manual Transmission, Chain Drive
Live Axles with Front Elliptical Leaf Springs, Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Foot-Operated Driveline Brake, Hand-Operated Contracting Band Mechanical Rear Brakes
* From the second year of Thomas automobiles
* The oldest 1903 Thomas
* Well known history - formally from the Walt Miller collection
* Refined and developed, ready to tour
THOMAS MODEL 18
In common with many of his contemporary automobile manufacturers, Erwin R. Thomas began by building bicycles, first as an employee of Lozier building the Cleveland bicycle and later on his own in Buffalo, New York. His first products were kits to motorize bicycles and at one point Thomas was the largest maker of single-cylinder air-cooled engines in the country. The Thomas Auto Bi motorized bicycle set a record across the U.S. in 1905. It took 48 days.
Automobile manufacturing began in 1902 with the Model 17 with a 2-speed planetary gearbox. Although powered by a single-cylinder engine, it was a full-size automobile available either as a runabout or a rear entrance tonneau. It was succeeded in 1903 by the Model 18, also a single but now with a 3-speed sliding gear transmission.
The Model 18 was a large, comfortable automobile with a full-size body in what Thomas literature described as the King of Belgium style indicative of the curved style bodies that Thomas would go on to be famous for. Its single cylinder engine displaced a prodigious 106 cubic inches. Its 3-speed transmission was an important step forward with Thomas literature citing "the foreign system of speed change shifting gear.... The intermediate speed, equivalent to largely increased power, is a real necessity for touring, bad roads and long hills". Highly developed, beautifully finished and thoughtfully designed, the Thomas Model 18 is the pinnacle of single cylinder automobiles.
THE CAR OFFERED
This is one of the oldest Thomas automobiles in existence and the oldest surviving 1903 Thomas. It was restored years ago by Rich Anderson and displayed at 2014 Amelia Island. Thomas literature says, "The 'Thomas' will speed twenty-five miles per hour; fast enough for anyone not reckless". The owner, however, reports this Model 18 has been clocked at over 30 mph.
It is equipped as lavishly as expected for its quality and expense, $1,400, the price of an average home in 1903. Equipment includes kerosene sidelights, a Solar carbide headlight, two pannier baskets with calico covers and a Testaphone three-trumpet horn. It is finished in light grey with dark grey highlights and green & gold pinstriping, black mudguards and black diamond tufted leather upholstery. The hood is embellished with applied brass accent strips and flutes. 28x3 period correct grey "smoothie" rubber tires ride on body color wood spoke artillery wheels. An electric starter has been added for ease of operation. It is ready to drive, tour or make its presence known at the Brighton Run, a rare and distinctive example of single cylinder power taken to an extreme in quality, luxury and performance.
The owner estimates that every power impulse from the single cylinder engine thrusts the Thomas forward six feet before it gathers itself up again and repeats the performance.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 11 August 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 PDT
- 12 August 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 PDT
- 13 August 2026, 08:30 - 10:00 PDT
