A Brief History Of The Kissel Car

By Elaine Guthrie


Throughout time, the automobile has gone through quite an evolution with advancements in technology, body design and performance. Certain models have become classics for a variety of reasons ranging from historical precedence to special qualities. The Kissel Car Company has produced quite a few of these treasured machines.

It was established in 1906 by a father and his three sons as an innovative company operating out of Hartford, Wisconsin. Circumstances including a world war and a damaged and failing economy, contributed to their need to claim bankruptcy in 1930. Although they did not stay in production very long, this unique manufacturer built a reputation for producing products of extreme durability and incredible quality.

During their time, the company manufactured in excess of 35,000 products of various types, styles, body designs and functions. They produced classic cars, trucks, taxi cabs, ambulances, firetrucks, utility vehicles and hearses. There were several things that set the items rolling out of this factory apart from all others of the era.

The finest craftsmanship and dependable yet creative engineering were the main focus of this company's production and design team, as a way to stay ahead of the competition. The brand made a name for themselves by implementing ideas that were quite innovative and installing features that were outside of the proverbial box. The goal was to build vehicles of top quality and impressive details that were sold at extremely reasonable prices.

Products manufactured under this name were known for incredible style and ultimate elegance, and certain models often sported new and unexpected design or technological features. One such innovation was the use of the Warner 4-speed selective sliding gear transmission. They were also known for using solid rubber tires on wooden spokes instead of metal.

Perhaps the most recognizable aspect that set this manufacturer apart from others was that they did not mass produce any of their automobiles. Each and every vehicle that rolled out the doors was custom ordered to suite the specific preferences of the customer. Clients were given several options from which to choose that would allow them to customize their ride as much as was possible at that time.

Several options available affected the overall appearance of said vehicle. Customers were able to decide specifics such as if there was a backseat and if so, how it would be places, whether the spare tire would be mounted on the rear or on the side, should the upholstery be leather or fabric, pick between running boards and step stirrups, how many bumper bars were to be included, if golf bag brackets would be installed and if the headlights would be bullet or pancake drum design. Each choice helped the individual create a unique ride.

Out of more than thirty-five thousand vehicles that came from this factory, roughly one hundred and fifty are all that are known to still be in existence today. Collectible classics such as the Duesenburg, the Packard, the Speedster, the Pierce Arrow, the All-Year and the Roadster will forever represent the durability and integrity that went into the production of each and every automobile made within the factory. They were favored by several celebrities from the era including Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Anita King, Al Jolson and Fatty Arbuckle.




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