The Collection

The Seal Cove Auto Museum preserves an extraordinary collection of early automobiles from the Brass Era, a time when innovation, craftsmanship, and imagination were transforming the way people traveled. Located on a quiet back road of Mount Desert Island, Maine, the museum brings together remarkable vehicles built between 1895 and 1917, each offering a glimpse into the design, technology, and spirit of a rapidly changing world.

The collection was assembled over a lifetime by passionate automobile enthusiast Richard Paine, whose vision was to preserve these pioneering vehicles for future generations. He established the nonprofit Seal Cove Auto Museum to share this remarkable collection with the public and keep the stories of early motoring alive.

Today, visitors can explore these unique automobiles and discover the ingenuity, artistry, and ambition that helped shape the future of transportation. The museum is open to the public seasonally, May through October.

Motor Vehicles

Ford Model N 1906

Motor Vehicle

This is a black Ford Model N with twin nickel plated front lamps, black leather seat, and boat-tail rear deck. Ford advertised this car as being "Just Automobile- All Automobile". It was little more than four wheels, a motor, a seat and side lights. Everthing else was an option including the headlights and top. The Model N was introduced at the New York Auto Show in January 1906 and deliveries began in July of that same year. This was the Ford Motor Company's first truly low cost car. It sold initially for $500, but by 1907 its price had been raised to $600. Ford advertised this car as being "Just Automobile - All Automobile". It was little more than four wheels, a motor and a seat. The Model N came equipped only with sidelights, tail light and a horn. Everything else was an option, including the headlights and top.

Motorcycles

Objects