Model 23 - Thomasine                            Period Images    Home
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1904  model year.
3-cylinder 24hp engine, 12 louver hood, 84 inch wheelbase.

A single reference in a fragmentary record of the Selden patent trial is the only clue to
    the limousine's model number.
Advertising referred to it as the "Thomasine", and it was better than a limousine,
    because the windows could all be quickly stowed and the car became completely open.
It may have been the first car ever to be heated inside using piping from the cooling system.


The Automobile, May. 28, 1904



Motor Age, Feb. 18, 1904                       the other side of the Thomasine
Note the lines of the dust-proof body were already in place in the first half of 1904
    well before its patent was applied for.

A more luxurious version of the Thomasine was also produced, named the Pullman.
Its wheelbase was extended to 92", visible in the rear of the body and in the drive chain.

Chinese prince Pu Lun had become interested in automobiles, and in the Thomas specifically,
    as his first ride had been in a Thomas.
He had ordered a specially-outfitted Pullman, but it was not ready in time for his 1904 visit to the US.
So he purchased a stock Pullman.


Library of Congress
Pu Lun visiting Indianapolis, May 1904



Library of Congress



Library of Congress



The Automobile, May 28, 1904



Automobile Review, Jun. 4, 1904
Pu Lun visiting St. Louis

His special order was eventually completed, and purchased by Wall Street millionaire C. Wesly Holland.

Automobile Review, Jun. 18, 1904                       the Pu Lun - Wesly Holland Pullman