Ep 26. Auto Museum -- Fairbanks, AK

In My Classic Car's season 19 episode 26, viewers are taken to Fairbanks, Alaska to explore the world of auto museums. Host Dennis Gage discovers some of the rarest and most unique vehicles in existence, all housed in the unlikeliest of places.

The episode starts with a visit to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, where Gage gets to see some incredibly well-preserved vintage cars. These include the 1906 Pope-Toledo and the 1911 Franklin Model D, both of which are in pristine condition despite being over 100 years old. Gage talks to the museum's curator, Shoshana Pinney, about the history of these cars and what it takes to keep them running today.

Next up is a visit to another museum that is just as impressive in its own way. The Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast is a train that has been converted into a luxury hotel. But it's not just any train - it's made up of railroad cars that were once used by U.S. presidents and other dignitaries. Gage gets a tour of the train's collection of classic cars, including a 1952 Hudson Hornet and a 1917 Model T Ford. He also talks to the owner of the hotel, Mike Gordon, about the challenges of maintaining these vintage vehicles.

The episode then takes viewers to a museum that is truly unique - the Pioneer Air Museum. Here, Gage gets to see a variety of vintage airplanes and helicopters, including a 1929 Eaglerock biplane and a 1939 Piper Cub. But what's really fascinating about this museum is its collection of snow vehicles. Fairbanks, Alaska is known for its harsh winters, and the Pioneer Air Museum has a range of snowmobiles, sleds, and other vehicles that were used to navigate the snowy terrain. Gage talks to the museum's director, Julie Estey, about the history of these vehicles and why they're so important to Alaskan culture.

The final museum that Gage visits is the Fountainhead Antique Motorcycle Museum. Here, he gets to see some of the rarest and most unique motorcycles in the world, including a 1915 Harley-Davidson and a 1947 Indian Chief. But what's most impressive about this museum is how it showcases the evolution of the motorcycle over the years. Gage talks to the museum's owner, Tim Pappas, about some of the technological advancements that have occurred in motorcycle design and how they have affected riders over time.

Throughout the episode, Gage provides fascinating commentary on the history and significance of each vehicle he encounters. He also highlights the stories behind the people who are dedicated to preserving these pieces of history, whether they be museum curators or individual collectors. Overall, My Classic Car's season 19 episode 26 is a delightful journey through the world of auto museums in Fairbanks, Alaska, and a must-see for any classic car enthusiast.