The 1923 Model 6-55 Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedan stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design synonymous with the Kissel Motor Car Company. Founded in 1906 by the enterprising Kissel brothers in Hartford, Wisconsin, the company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-end automobiles tailored to the discerning tastes of celebrities and silent movie stars.
With its luxurious appointments and superior performance, the Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedan epitomized Kissel’s commitment to luxury and innovation, solidifying its place among the most prestigious automotive brands of its time. Renowned for its attention to detail and timeless design, Kissel vehicles were sought after by elite clientele seeking the epitome of automotive luxury.
Unlike many of its contemporaries, Kissel cars were never mass-produced. Instead, each vehicle was meticulously handcrafted, embodying old-world charm and attention to detail. The Model 6-55 Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedan is a prime example of this dedication to quality, with its aluminum body, durable oak and ash wood frames, and lavish nickel and brass trim.
This particular sedan, finished in the correct Kissel Burnt Red, is one of only two complete Model 6-55 Sedans known to exist today. Originally sold to a business executive in Indianapolis, it later found its way to a Florida family in 1976 before being acquired by the current owner in 2011. Despite its journey through time, the sedan has been meticulously restored to its former glory, with every piece, nut, and bolt lovingly refurbished during a complete frame-off restoration process.
Underneath its elegant exterior lies a powerful inline six-cylinder engine, rated for 50 horsepower. This engine, a mainstay of Kissel cars from 1916 through 1928, provides ample power to propel the sedan with grace and poise, making it a pleasure to drive even by modern standards. Its smooth performance and reliable power delivery contribute to the sedan’s enduring appeal among vintage car enthusiasts, showcasing Kissel’s engineering prowess and commitment to quality.
The restoration of this Brougham Opera Sedan presented several challenges, including rotted wood elements and a serious hornet infestation. However, perhaps the most significant hurdle was the engine, which required extensive machining of missing internal parts. Despite these obstacles, the restoration was completed with meticulous attention to detail, culminating in the sedan’s debut at the prestigious St. John’s Concours d’Elegance in early 2013.
Despite its renowned excellence, Kissel never achieved mass production status. Sales dwindled even in the prosperous Roaring Twenties, ultimately succumbing to Great Depression pressures. In September 1930, Kissel Motor Car Company went into receivership, ending an era for one of America’s revered manufacturers. Today, models like the 1923 Model 6-55 Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedan uphold Kissel’s legacy, preserving automotive history for future generations.
