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

Buick Model 14 1911

Motor Vehicle

The 1906 Buick was one of the best selling cars in America; they were well constructed, reliable and conventional rather than inventive, and at $1150. to $1250. were reasonably priced. Standard equipment included a storage battery, Acetylene headlight, kerosene sidelight and taillight a vibrator horn; very well equipped for the day. 1911 Buick two-cylinder double chain-drive roadster, designated Model 14, was introduced "to meet the incessant demand of Buick patrons for a low priced up-to-date runabout." The engine had been developed years earlier and had sat on the shelf. With a horsepower rating the same as the Model number (14 hp) and a selling price of $550, the novel "buggyabout" was sold only in the 1911 season. In contrast to the earlier mid-frame engines position, this two cylinder model had the engine located cross ways under the hood, forward. It was the last Buick to be equipped with a 2 cylinder engine and a chain drive. This is a small two passenger roadster in "As Found" condition; there are traces of red and green paint and remains of what appears to be Leatherette upholstery. It is missing its lighting and has no tires.

Motorcycles

Objects