The SS Lorraine was docked at the French Line pier in New York, and its cargo and occupants were being unloaded.

Aboard this ship that sailed from Le Havre was some very important cargo: the first American automobile to win a major international race.

This race was not a standard road or track event, but instead was a race around the world.

The Thomas Flyer aboard had won the New York to Paris competition and made Thomas the world's most famous car.

As the historic auto was being unpacked, her drivers and mechanics exited the gangway where they were greeted by E.R.

Thomas himself, officials from AAA, and Mr.

J.

Herbert Carpenter, representing his Auto Club of America.

Mr.

Carpenter would host the heroic drivers at a lunch at the club headquarters in New York that afternoon.

E.R.

Thomas may not have made many cars, but his impact on both automotive and motorcycle history is deep.

Like many of his contemporaries, he started out by working in the bicycle industry.

Thomas ran ...