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 1928 Model A Huckster

Motor Vehicle

The vehicle was owned by Harry Owens of the "Stone Barn Farm" in Bar Harbor, acquired by the MacQuinns in 1994 and restoration begun by Mr. MacQuinn who died in February of 2009. The restoration was completed by friends and associates prior to the vehicle's donation to the Seal Cove Auto Museum in July of 2013 by Barbara MacQuinn, Mr. MacQuinn's widow. The donation form credits a number of parties for the finishing of the project including: Alan Deshebel and RB & JR Hodgkins for woodworking, Les Brewer Jr and Craig Hodgkins for body restoration, Craig Robbins for body painting, Gordon Young for varnishing and Dwayne Harmon for Upholstery. Model: Model A Body Style: Huckster Engine Details: Four cylinder, in-line Transmission: Three speed, floor shift with "conventional" clutch Suspension: Longitudinal leaf springs Brakes: Four wheel mechanical Wheelbase: Wire spokes wheels, pneumatic rubber tires This is a recently restored (as of 2014) vehicle with a varnished wood "Huckster" style body, fenders, running boards, grill and chassis; the seating is brown vinyl with black rubber floor covering in the cab. The bumpers and wheel hubs are chrome plated; it has black vinyl roof covering and a single side-mounted spare tire & wheel. Special Features: Restoration begum by Ronald MacQuinn, completed by friends and associates after MacQuinn's's death. (see History entry for details)

Motorcycles

Objects