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.
Founded by Louis and his three sons in 1906, they set up shop in the city of Hartford, Wisconsin. Though the company employed innovative practices, the world war, its effects on the economy and several other factors of the times, necessitated the need to close their doors in 1930 and file for bankruptcy. Even with such a limited run of production, they were renowned for rolling out vehicles of admirable quality and high durability.
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.
All vehicles produced under this name were expected to be not only attractive and oozing elegance, but to also sport accessories and features that were new and interesting. The installation of a Warner transmission featuring a selective 4-speed sliding gear format into certain models was one such perk. Choosing to replace metal spokes with wooden ones and combine them with tires of solid rubber was another.
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.
Many the available options directly affected the way the vehicle would look. They were choices such as the number of bumper bars installed, if the headlights would be pancake drum or bullet shaped, step brackets or running bars, fabric interior or leather, back seat or not, if the spare wheel should be set on the side or on the rear, and they were even able to have an optional golf bag holder added. All these combined allowed the individual to essential detail their own ride themselves.
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.
Founded by Louis and his three sons in 1906, they set up shop in the city of Hartford, Wisconsin. Though the company employed innovative practices, the world war, its effects on the economy and several other factors of the times, necessitated the need to close their doors in 1930 and file for bankruptcy. Even with such a limited run of production, they were renowned for rolling out vehicles of admirable quality and high durability.
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.
All vehicles produced under this name were expected to be not only attractive and oozing elegance, but to also sport accessories and features that were new and interesting. The installation of a Warner transmission featuring a selective 4-speed sliding gear format into certain models was one such perk. Choosing to replace metal spokes with wooden ones and combine them with tires of solid rubber was another.
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.
Many the available options directly affected the way the vehicle would look. They were choices such as the number of bumper bars installed, if the headlights would be pancake drum or bullet shaped, step brackets or running bars, fabric interior or leather, back seat or not, if the spare wheel should be set on the side or on the rear, and they were even able to have an optional golf bag holder added. All these combined allowed the individual to essential detail their own ride themselves.
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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