OWLS HEAD — More than a century of transportation history will come together in Midcoast Maine when the 48th Annual New England Auto Auction returns to the Owls Head Transportation Museum, August 19 - 22. 

One of the Museum’s largest annual fundraisers, the New England Auto Auction brings a wide range of collector vehicles and transportation history to Owls Head while supporting the nonprofit Museum’s collections, educational programs, demonstrations and community events.

Auction week begins with Preview Day on Wednesday, August 19, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., giving bidders and spectators an opportunity to explore the complete auction lineup. The Rev It Up Party follows Thursday, August 20, from 2 - 7 p.m., before two days of live auction action on Friday and Saturday.

AN EXCEPTIONAL 2026 LINEUP

Leading this year’s exceptional lineup is an extraordinarily rare 1922 Kissel 6-45 Speedster, better known as the “Gold Bug.” An icon of the Jazz Age and a favorite among Hollywood personalities of the era, only an estimated 35 Gold Bugs are known to survive. The example offered at NEAA is even more distinctive—it is believed to be the only known surviving example equipped with a rear rumble seat.

The 2026 inventory spans more than a century of transportation history, from early automobiles and European marques to American performance cars. Highlights include a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster powered by a 427ci/425hp V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission, a 1968 Ford Mustang GT/California Special, and a collection of more than 10 Mercedes-Benz automobiles representing a variety of models and eras.

True to the New England Auto Auction’s Beyond the Garage tradition, the offerings extend well beyond collector cars. A Zlin aircraft, motorcycles, trucks, specialty vehicles, transportation collectibles, automobilia and other unexpected finds round out the diverse 2026 lineup.

COLLECTOR VEHICLES GIVING BACK

"As a nonprofit organization rooted in its community, OHTM believes in the importance of nonprofits supporting nonprofits," said OHTM, in a news release.

This year, two special consignments will use the reach of the New England Auto Auction to support Maine causes.

An ASC McLaren Mustang will cross the block at No Reserve, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting Make-A-Wish Maine and its work creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

A highly original Dodge Brothers Touring Car, owned by its current owner since 1968, will be offered with proceeds benefiting the Robbins Lumber Relief Fund through the Town of Searsmont, supporting individuals and families affected by the devastating May 2026 fire.

While NEAA is itself an important fundraiser for the Owls Head Transportation Museum, these consignments extend the event’s impact beyond the Museum and into communities across Maine.

FOUR DAYS IN OWLS HEAD

Wednesday, August 19 — Preview Day 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Explore the auction inventory before bidding begins.

Thursday, August 20 — Rev It Up Party Preview: 9 a.m–8 p.m. | Rev It Up Party 2–7 p.m. | Live music from Champagne Casanova, food vendors, a cash bar, lawn games and an opportunity to explore the auction lineup and register to bid.

Friday, August 21 — Auction Day One Doors open at 8 a.m. | Auction begins at 10 a.m. Automobilia followed by a diverse lineup of vehicles, including numerous No Reserve offerings.

Saturday, August 22 — Auction Day Two Doors open at 7 a.m. | Auction begins at 9 a.m. The premier collector vehicle lineup takes center stage.

Bidders may participate in person, online, by phone or absentee, and advance registration is encouraged. You do not need to register to bid to attend the auction. Spectators are welcome, with tickets available online or at the door.

For the complete 2026 inventory, bidder registration, spectator tickets and event information, visit auction.owlshead.org or call 207-594-4418.

Owls Head Transportation Museum is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to preserving, operating and sharing the history of transportation. Through its historic collection, educational programming, demonstrations and hands-on experiences, OHTM brings transportation history to life for visitors of all ages.