Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
See rare pre-World War II automobiles
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is considered by enthusiasts to be one of the most remarkable vintage car museums in the United States. Tucked away in a commercial center in Fairbanks, Alaska, this “living museum” is home to nearly 100 rare, pre-World War II automobiles. The museum features an extensive collection that includes horseless carriages, electric cars, speedsters, prototypes and 1930s classics – all of which are still fully operable and driven by staff on a regular basis.
Auto enthusiasts will thrill over this collection. As an added bonus, the Fountainhead boasts an extensive collection of beautifully preserved men’s and women’s fashions of the day, as well as a history exhibit on the Valdez-Fairbanks Trail. Photography without flash is permitted inside the museum.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Lincoln Motor Company’s Napoleon was built for luxury
In 1927, the Lincoln Motor Company produced six Model L chassises for commercial use as fire trucks or ambulances. This Imperial Victoria, dubbed the “Napoleon,” found its way to Europe, where it was placed in the hands of French aristocrats before returning stateside after World War II. This famous Model L Imperial was built for elegance and luxury, as it features three rows of seating, 24-karat gold trim and even a microphone for communicating with the driver.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A 1919 McFarlan that boasts big star power
The 1919 McFarlan Type 125 was considered a favorite among the Hollywood elite at the time. By 1920, the McFarlan became known as the “American Rolls Royce” for its hefty size, prestige and sophistication. For the price of an average home (or more), discriminating customers could have a McFarlan custom built to match the most extravagant of tastes. One cabriolet was even trimmed in gold!
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
A rare 1907 Ford Model K
In 1906, Ford introduced the company’s first 6-cylinder automobile, the Model K. Considered more of a work of art than a utilitarian vehicle, only 900 of these exquisite powerful and fast cars were produced. It would be Ford’s last car to feature a 6-cylinder engine until 1941. Today, less than 25 Model Ks (and only nine roadsters) are known to exist, so the opportunity to view it up close in all its fine detail is a memorable experience.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
An up-close look at favorite rides of yesteryear
If you were planning to buy a car in the early-to-mid 1900s, you might have considered a custom-built Biddle (manufactured in Philadelphia) or a Pierce Arrow, which was made in Buffalo from 1901 to 1938 and considered a major status symbol. Not surprisingly, the Pierce Arrow was owned by a number of Hollywood stars and business tycoons of the day. In 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft ordered two Pierce-Arrows to be driven on special occasions. As a result, they go down in history as the first “official car” of the White House.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
One-of-a-kind Fordson Snow Motor in working condition
This 1926 Fordson Snow Motor had a short success upon the powdery snows of Alaska. Its use was abandoned and today this unique vintage vehicle is safely tucked away in the Fountainhead Museum. It is the only Fordson Snow Motor that still runs and operates, thanks to the museum staff that made replacement parts and rebuilt the engine. It remains a fabulous piece of automotive history.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
The world’s first V-16 powered car
Cadillac showcased the world’s first V-16 powered car in 1930, the 452B Imperial Limousine. This auto combined over-the-top elegance matched by superb and inventive engineering. This revolutionary automobile established Cadillac among the world’s finest cars in this category. U.S. President Herbert Hoover rode in this powerful vehicle for his inauguration. He was so enamored with its modern innovation that he later purchased one for personal use.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Fast cars and fast fashion
Luxury cars and upscale fashion went hand-in-hand in the early days of the automobile. When people went out for a spin in their luxury vehicles, they wanted to make a bold statement with their wardrobe at the same time! You can admire an amazing variety of both men’s and women’s fashions in the museum’s collection of more than 1,000 dresses, gowns, suits and accessories. You’ll notice that the costumed mannequins are perfectly positioned next to the autos, bringing to life the elegance of yesteryear.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
The only Argonne vehicle ever made
A classic survivor, the only known Argonne vehicle ever made resides at the Fountainhead. This yellow, two-toned classic was built in 1920 in the United States as a touring vehicle. It was named after the famous WWI Battle of Argonne Forest, which was launched by the Allies (with heavy American casualties) and considered a turning point in the war.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
A classic 1905 Winton
An early pioneer in the American auto industry, the Winton Motor Carriage Company, in Cleveland, was the first company to sell a standard, American-made, gasoline-powered automobile. By 1905, when this beauty was built, the company had branches in London, Toronto, New York and Honolulu.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
A vintage “smart car” from the 1930s
Back in the early 1930s, someone was already thinking about a miniature automobile and developed this 1934 American Austin Coupe, patterned from the English Austin 7. It was equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and even had the seats modified to accommodate its occupants in the small space. However, this auto did not get much traction, as it was regarded as a toy car and not taken seriously. That being said, Austin soon became the Austin Bantam Car Co. and continued to produce the novelty car until the early 1940s.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A luxurious Model K
Fewer than 25 of Ford’s luxurious Model Ks are in existence today. This 1908 roadster was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine with 40 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a maximum speed of 70 mph. At the time, it was a good seller, boosting Ford’s reputation as a solid automaker. This specific model car was produced from 1906 to 1908. After that, Ford decided to make the mid-priced (and more famous) Model T.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Where the rubber meets the Valdez-Fairbanks Trail
The Fountainhead Museum not only showcases vintage cars and fashion. It also features a special exhibition on the historic Valdez-Fairbanks Trail, which was responsible for opening up year-round access to Fairbanks and Alaska’s interior. Many displays here document the history of Fairbanks, such as this one that features a recreation of the legendary Sourdough Roadhouse.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A romantic roadster design
If this early car reminds you a bit of Cinderella’s carriage, it may be because the Whiting Motor Car Company, founded in 1910, belonged to the carriage manufacturer, Flint Wagon Works. Despite its delicate, fairytale look, this red roadster boasted a four-cylinder engine, a gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The company was short-lived, however, and ended production in the early 1900s.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Battery-operated antique autos
It may surprise you to learn that the 1913 Argo ran on a 60-volt battery system using Westinghouse motors. Yes, electric vehicles came into existence during the turn of the 20th century! The age of electric cars flourished in the early 1900s. This lavishly appointed car features brocade borders and dark green paint with bright nickel finishes. It was quite an appealing automobile, both for its style and unique energy efficiency.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Early barrel-front hoods with air-cooled engines
One fascinating design element of this 1907 Franklin was its barrel front hood, which featured a large fan and an air-cooled engine (no water needed). Have you ever driven a Volkswagen bug? Well, Franklin came up with the air-cooled engine many years prior to the birth of the Beetle.
The builders were fanatical about using weight-saving techniques and incorporated aluminum, laminated frames and tubular axles to accomplish their design objectives. The company continued to introduce cars with increasing luxury and more powerful engines.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
First motorized hearses
The first motorized hearses were introduced to the United States in the early 20th century. These ornate vehicles were inspired by their horse-drawn counterparts and featured heavy drapery and ornate detail. Mourners were also dressed appropriately for the ride to the cemetery, as displayed by this vintage funeral gown and headpiece.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A look under the hood
The engineering and meticulous layout of the many engine components are always catching the attention of antique car aficionados. You can spend hours admiring the piping, cylinder housings, and the other mechanical devices that were created and assembled to produce these marvelous engines.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
America’s earliest known 4-cylinder, gas-powered auto
The Hay 1898 Motor Vehicle is the earliest-known 4-cylinder, gas-powered, American-made automobile in existence. The Fountainhead Museum purchased the vehicle in 2007 and restored it to a “like-new” condition. This means visitors here can get an up-close look at this rare vehicle that never made it past the prototype stage. Although the Hay features high-quality coachwork and remarkable metal detail, its flawed engine design prevented it from being released for production.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Parking lot attractions
It isn’t unusual to see a variety of vintage cars from the 20th century, such as this pristine Triumph TR4, parked in the museum’s lot year-round. It’s a testimony to the popularity of this attraction among classic car lovers from around the world, as auto collectors and enthusiasts put this museum at the top of their “must-see” list.
