Company History

Ayer European Auto was founded in 1958 by Everett Ayer as a collision repair facility. During this period, Ayer created custom street rod vehicles and did general auto body repairs. The business continued to grow and evolved into a European auto specialty shop, doing quality repair work on high-line automobiles such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, to name a few. In those days Everett owned many of these types of cars, including Porsche 356’s and BMW 1800TI’s. These cars were his passion.

During the early 80’s, the company was involved in the direct importing of European un-federalized cars. These cars were converted to meet U.S. emissions and D.O.T. requirements to make them legal for sale in the United States. It was during this time that Ayer European Auto Sales was developed and the contemporary showroom was built.

In the mid 80’s, Ray Ayer, Everett’s son, bought the restoration business from Everett and continued to grow it. A new paint facility which housed a Glasurit paint mixing system and a downdraft spray booth from Italy (the U.S.I. Italia – the first of it’s kind in Maine), was built. This allowed for the accurate mixing and application of European type paint with formulas dating back to the 1950’s.

Today Ayer European Auto Restoration and Sales continues to restore and sell vintage Porsches and Mercedes-Benz automobiles along with the more current and contemporary models – the likes of which include BMW, Ferrari, Land Rover and Audi Quattros.

The mission statement we have created basically says it all:
Ayer European Auto Sales and Restoration offers to the discriminating auto enthusiast the finest sales and restoration service available, on a cost effective and timely basis.

Ray Ayer continues to inventory the most interesting and unique special interest automobiles found anywhere in the state of Maine – possibly north of Boston.