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

Mercer Sporting 1922

Motor Vehicle

The car was acquired by Roger Cutting in 1957; the story of the purchase and repair/restoration under Cutting's ownership is described in his book "Motormania" on page 33. More information relative to the vehicle and Mercers in general is on file in the vehicle binder. This a primrose yellow over black dual-cowl touring car, reported to be an uncommon body style for a 1922 Mercer, the black canvas top has red piping, the interior is black leather although the appraiser reports it to be Naugahyde.(some newer naugahyde areas may be present) The radiator cowl is painted, headlights are nickel, the car has Rudge-Whitworth splined wire wheels; two spares were reported by the appraiser, but are not mounted.

Motorcycles

Objects