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MG, to many the name represents the quintessential sports car, embodying more pure driving pleasure than exotic Ferraris and Porsches. MG produced 40 different models over the course of a 30 year period. This productivity was not always the case though.
The company sprung from humble beginnings, with Cecil Kimber modifying Morris automobiles at Morris Garages, the source of the MG name. The company would spend much of its career turning out cars that were described as, “Dream machines that the ordinary man and woman could afford.” The best known and loved MG styles were those built, not in a design studio, but as a result of the requirements of racing, by the men who raced them.
While Microcars may not be the dream machines that MGs are, they certainly were built to be affordable. This matter of affordability, economy and modesty of size was one of the driving forces behind both MG and Microcars. The Microcar has existed almost as long as the automobile has, with the concept bubbling to the surface every decade or so. From the early cyclecars to the rolling egg of a BMW Isetta to a Smart Car of today, economy has always been a priority.
This exhibition blends two magical types of automobiles, driving reduced to its bare essentials, whether sports car or minimal daily transportation.
Currently on display
MGs
1931 M University Foursome Folding Head Coupe
1932 J2
1933 L1 Magna
1933 L1 Continental
1934 PA
1935 NB
1937 SA sedan
1937 VA Tickford Bodied Drophead
1938 SA Touring
1939 MG TB
1946 TC
1948 TC
1952 MG TD MKII
Microcars
1914 Scripps Booth Rocket Cyclecar
1916 Scripps Booth C
1916 Woods Mobilette
1932 American Austin Roadster
1948 Crosley Series CC Convertible
1948 Crosley Station Wagon
1958 BMW Isetta
Also
1954 Chevrolet Corvette
Coming Soon:
Messerschmitt KR200
Peel Trident
Goggomobil Dart
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The Wright Brothers' historic flight of 1903 marked the dawn of new technologies that would allow us to navigate the oceans of air and build machines called automobiles to roll across continents. Thomas Edison harnessed electricity while Alexander Graham Bell gave us the telephone. Henry Ford and Ransom Olds manufactured thousands of autos to replace the horse and buggy while Glenn Curtiss carried forward where the Wrights left off. These men along with scores of others developed the stepping stones leading from the Old World to the one we live in today.
In Maine, because of topography, location and bad roads, river steamers and coastal schooners, railroads and even the horse and buggy still were the prime movers for several more decades. Even today Maine retains a flavor different from its neighbors thanks to its maritime heritage.
Exhibits that are currently represented in "A Century Ago":
Aircraft
- 1891 Lillienthal Glider (1/2 Scale Representation)
- 1896 Chanute Glider (1/2 Scale Representation)
- 1900 (ca.) Clark Ornithopter
- 1903 Wright Kitty Hawk Flyer (Reproduction)
- 1913 Deperdussin (Reproduction)
- 1963 Gemini Space Capsule (Representation)
Automobiles
- 1885 Benz (Replica)
- 1898 Leon Bolle Tri-car
- 1902 Curved Dash Olds
- 1903 Mercedes Simplex Tourer
- 1903 Prescott Steam Runabout
- 1904 American Manufacturing Co. &
1918 American LaFrance Fire Pumper "Vesuvius" (Recreation)
- 1904 Stanley Model B Runabout
- 1907 Cadillac Runabout
- 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racer (Replica)
- 1908 Sears Motor Buggy
- 1909 DeDion - Bouton Voiture
- 1913 Ford Model T Roadster
Bicycles
- 1868 Roper Steam Velocipede
- 1868 Velocipede Boneshaker
- 1879 Baliss Thomas Harvard Highwheeler
- 1887 (ca.) Safety Bicycle
- 1885 Star Safety Highwheeler
- 1901 Steffey Motor Bike
- 1946 Wizzer Motor Bicycle
Horse drawn
Rail
- 1870 4-4-0 American Locomotive and Tender (Model)
- Boston and Maine Railroad (Model)
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This ongoing exhibit is available for viewing in the Wright Wing
Nothing has helped define and shape mankind's technological history more than the invention and subsequent development of the wheel. From the dawn of time, we have sought to increase productivity through the use of tools, and the wheel is one of the greatest examples of simple tools that make our lives easier and better every day.
The obvious centerpiece of the Museum's "Where There is a Wheel There's a Way" tour, this exhibit will show you a timeline of the development of mankind's greatest invention—the wheel.
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The Wright Brothers -
Pioneers of Flight
In a letter dated September 3, 1900 Wilbur Wright wrote this to his father, Bishop Milton Wright: “I am intending to start in a few days for a trip to the coast of North Carolina in the vicinity of Roanoke Island, for the purpose of making some experiments with a flying machine. It is my belief that flight is possible and while I am taking up the investigation for pleasure rather than profit, I think there is a slight possibility of achieving fame and fortune from it.
Read more...
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Building the Wright Flyer—Museum Style
In 1995, the Owls Head Transportation Museum embarked on one the more ambitious construction projects in its history—the building of a full-scale representation of the 1903 Wright Kitty Hawk Flyer.
Read more...
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Postcard Art
The WINTER 2004-05 issue of the Museum's quarterly publication, Strut & Axle featured an article on Postcard Art from the collection of Museum Trustee Steven Lang. As impressive as the images were in black & white, they are even more so in color. Follow the link below to view a digital slide show of these cards.
View the cards
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Digital Design Gallery
Click on the Packard above to view these exciting images
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