The Kissel Automobile holds a special place in automotive history, particularly celebrated for its quality craftsmanship and innovative designs during its production from 1907 to 1931 in Hartford, Wisconsin. Founded by German immigrant families who diversified from farming into various businesses including vehicle manufacturing, Kissel quickly gained recognition for their well-engineered automobiles.
The journey began in 1906 with the introduction of their first model featuring a four-cylinder engine on a 96-inch wheelbase chassis. The initial success was marked by a substantial order of 100 cars from W.A. McDuffee, a prominent Chicago dealership, recognizing the quality and appeal of Kissel vehicles. By 1909, Kissel expanded its lineup to offer vehicles with three different engines and chassis variations, catering to a broader range of customers with prices spanning from $1,350 to $3,000.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1915 with the introduction of the renowned long-stroke six-cylinder L-head engine, which remained virtually unchanged until 1928. This engine solidified Kissel’s reputation for reliability and performance, contributing significantly to their success over the years.
Among the most celebrated models crafted by Kissel were the sporty creations designed by Conover T. Silver, their New York distributor. One standout example is the Gold Bug Speedster, a model renowned for its innovative design featuring outrigger seats that slid in and out of the body like drawers. This unique feature, coupled with its stylish aesthetics and powerful performance, made the Gold Bug Speedster highly desirable among automotive enthusiasts.
Production of the Gold Bug Speedster was exclusive and limited, with only 50 to 150 units custom-made annually between 1919 and 1928. Powered by a 284 cubic-inch six-cylinder L-head engine producing 61 horsepower and paired with a three-speed manual transmission, the Speedster weighed 4,000 pounds, reflecting its robust engineering and performance-oriented design.
The specific Gold Bug Speedster in question is a Model 6-45, one of only three known to survive today. Originally sold in Hollywood, California, it boasts the Kissel ‘Hollywood Option’ package, which includes nickeled bar bumpers, an exhaust cutout, and E&J Headlamps, adding to its allure and historical significance. Furthermore, it retains the distinctive Kissel ‘outrigger seats,’ a feature offered exclusively during the initial four years of Speedster production.
Owning a Kissel Gold Bug Speedster not only signifies a connection to automotive heritage but also embodies the craftsmanship and innovation that defined early American automobile manufacturing. Each surviving example, including this meticulously preserved Model 6-45, serves as a testament to Kissel’s legacy of excellence and their contribution to shaping the automotive landscape during the early 20th century.
