An artfully constructed automobile is a thing of beauty and something those with a love for fine machinery can truly appreciate. Each classic has something that sets them apart from all others whether it be its advanced engine technology, an attractively designed interior and exterior or new and innovative features. The most treasured models are a diverse group and among them are the masterpieces made by the Kissel Motor Car Company.
Early in the twentieth century, a car company burst onto the scene with a concept of customizing each vehicle and imbuing them with high quality but keeping the price affordable. They had a diverse catalog, manufacturing outstanding automobiles as well as working vehicles such as taxis, fire and utility trucks and even hearses. Some of their design ideas and technological innovations are still currently in practice.
This manufacturer had a unique practice that ensured the customer was getting exactly what they wanted. Every vehicle produced at the factory was custom ordered and created with amazing attention to detail in all areas including the type of headlights, number of bumper bars, side steps, upholstery and even where the rear seat and spare tires would be placed. Part of what makes these cars so valuable today is that only 35,000 automobiles were ever rolled out and of those, a mere 150 are documented to still exist.
Several of the company's remaining vehicles are on display at The Wisconsin Automotive Museum located in Hartford. Most of these classics are in the possession of independent collectors who take extreme measures to maintain them in pristine condition. A few are still owned by the descendants of the original owners and unfortunately may not be in the best of shape.
During their heyday, these cars were desired by pop culture icons and other influential people as well as the masses. The first female to ever successfully make a transcontinental drive, an actress known as Anita King, chose to use a 1915 Kissel to achieve her historic feat. Amelia Earhart, the famed aviatrix, and Fatty Arbuckle, a popular actor, were proud owners of the 1919 Speedster, a much desired two seat vehicle also called The Gold Bug.
The Gold Bug is on the list of 100 most beautiful cars ever to exist. It exemplified a pride in quality craftsmanship for which the company was known and it also had their signature feature, the outrigger seats. A lot of these were given the Hollywood treatment, having E & J headlamps, bumper bars made of nickel and exhaust cutouts installed.
Another head turner was the appropriately named All-Year. It was a car for all seasons and was loaded with ground breaking features like a hard top that could be removed, glass windows and curtains, just to name a few. This model was also the first to utilize the lighted instrument panel technology which Kissel claims as their own development.
It was Kissel Motor Car Company's innovative idea of making each and every one of their products a custom made creation that made them popular at the time and treasured as classics today. The beauty of their frames and body designs, the innovations of the technology they employed and the fashionable accessories featured prominently, made them very desirable. They are true classics, built with quality, integrity, pride and an acute attention to detail.
Early in the twentieth century, a car company burst onto the scene with a concept of customizing each vehicle and imbuing them with high quality but keeping the price affordable. They had a diverse catalog, manufacturing outstanding automobiles as well as working vehicles such as taxis, fire and utility trucks and even hearses. Some of their design ideas and technological innovations are still currently in practice.
This manufacturer had a unique practice that ensured the customer was getting exactly what they wanted. Every vehicle produced at the factory was custom ordered and created with amazing attention to detail in all areas including the type of headlights, number of bumper bars, side steps, upholstery and even where the rear seat and spare tires would be placed. Part of what makes these cars so valuable today is that only 35,000 automobiles were ever rolled out and of those, a mere 150 are documented to still exist.
Several of the company's remaining vehicles are on display at The Wisconsin Automotive Museum located in Hartford. Most of these classics are in the possession of independent collectors who take extreme measures to maintain them in pristine condition. A few are still owned by the descendants of the original owners and unfortunately may not be in the best of shape.
During their heyday, these cars were desired by pop culture icons and other influential people as well as the masses. The first female to ever successfully make a transcontinental drive, an actress known as Anita King, chose to use a 1915 Kissel to achieve her historic feat. Amelia Earhart, the famed aviatrix, and Fatty Arbuckle, a popular actor, were proud owners of the 1919 Speedster, a much desired two seat vehicle also called The Gold Bug.
The Gold Bug is on the list of 100 most beautiful cars ever to exist. It exemplified a pride in quality craftsmanship for which the company was known and it also had their signature feature, the outrigger seats. A lot of these were given the Hollywood treatment, having E & J headlamps, bumper bars made of nickel and exhaust cutouts installed.
Another head turner was the appropriately named All-Year. It was a car for all seasons and was loaded with ground breaking features like a hard top that could be removed, glass windows and curtains, just to name a few. This model was also the first to utilize the lighted instrument panel technology which Kissel claims as their own development.
It was Kissel Motor Car Company's innovative idea of making each and every one of their products a custom made creation that made them popular at the time and treasured as classics today. The beauty of their frames and body designs, the innovations of the technology they employed and the fashionable accessories featured prominently, made them very desirable. They are true classics, built with quality, integrity, pride and an acute attention to detail.
About the Author:
You can find an amazing Kissel by touring our website at www.kisselsandclassiccars.com today. For more information on our classic cars or to view our image galleries and auto descriptions, click the links at http://www.kisselsandclassiccars.com now.
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