Over time, automobiles have partaken of an incredible evolution consisting of changes, successes and failures in the categories of technology, design and performance. Certain circumstances in each of these fields have laid the groundwork for making some models collectible classics. Several such treasures are the creative results of the Kissel Car Company.
The company was founded in 1906 as a family based business by a father and three sons, and was based out of Hartford, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, due to several conditions of the era, which included war and a declining economy, they filed for bankruptcy in 1930. Though this American manufacturer's productivity period was short lived, they are known for producing vehicles of extreme quality that were built to last.
While in operation, there were more than 35,000 vehicles in a wide range of styles, types, functionality and designs produced. This repertoire included standard cars, taxis, trucks, hearses, ambulances, firetrucks and utility vans. Several unique factors gave this company a bit of an edge over many others of that time period.
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.
The most prominent practice that made this company different from others of the same type, was that they skipped the practice of producing hundreds of exact copies. Instead, they took custom orders and manufactured each vehicle individually according to the customer's expressed specifics. To get a ride that was perfectly suited to there preferences and needs, the owners could pick from a list of options.
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.
Only about 150 of 35,000 plus produced are known to still exist. Such treasured classics as the Pierce Arrow, the All-Year, the Speedster, the Roadster, the Packard and the Duesenburg emerged from the heart of this company and are symbols of integrity and durability attributed to this brand. Era celebrities like Anita King, Al Jolson, Amelia Earhart, Fatty Arbuckle and Greta Garbo were examples of high profile owners of such automotive works of art.
The company was founded in 1906 as a family based business by a father and three sons, and was based out of Hartford, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, due to several conditions of the era, which included war and a declining economy, they filed for bankruptcy in 1930. Though this American manufacturer's productivity period was short lived, they are known for producing vehicles of extreme quality that were built to last.
While in operation, there were more than 35,000 vehicles in a wide range of styles, types, functionality and designs produced. This repertoire included standard cars, taxis, trucks, hearses, ambulances, firetrucks and utility vans. Several unique factors gave this company a bit of an edge over many others of that time period.
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.
The most prominent practice that made this company different from others of the same type, was that they skipped the practice of producing hundreds of exact copies. Instead, they took custom orders and manufactured each vehicle individually according to the customer's expressed specifics. To get a ride that was perfectly suited to there preferences and needs, the owners could pick from a list of options.
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.
Only about 150 of 35,000 plus produced are known to still exist. Such treasured classics as the Pierce Arrow, the All-Year, the Speedster, the Roadster, the Packard and the Duesenburg emerged from the heart of this company and are symbols of integrity and durability attributed to this brand. Era celebrities like Anita King, Al Jolson, Amelia Earhart, Fatty Arbuckle and Greta Garbo were examples of high profile owners of such automotive works of art.
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