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

Abbott-Detroit, 1916

Object/Artifact

Medium sized 7 passenger touring car (two folding jump seats); it has cream yellow wheels, a rear mounted spare tire, nickel trim, and electric lighting.The interior, top and upholstery is missing and/or deteriorated with enough remaining to provide patterns for new installations. The engine is a six cylinder Continental, coupled to a three speed forward, one speed reverse transmission; the car has a leaf spring suspension. Model: Model 6-44 Body Style: Seven Passenger Touring Car Engine Details: 6 Cylinder Continental Transmission: Three Speed forward, one Reverse Suspension: Eliptical Leaf Springs Brakes: Rear Mechanical Wheelbase: Wood Spoked The vehicle has undergone a full mechanical, chassis and exterior body restoration with appropriately replated nickel accessories. The interior and top are either missing or in deteriorated condition and will require full replacement, the top frames appear to be complete with minor damage, the fabric it deteriorated but may prove sufficient to use a s a pattern for replacement. Old, probably original side curtains are under the rear seat

Motorcycles

Objects