In the years since the first car was introduced, several companies have stepped up to leave their mark on the automotive industry. It may have been a breakthrough in technology, an innovative new feature or perhaps it was a stylistic change that influenced all those models that were to follow them in the future. The Kissel Company was one of those manufacturers whose products set great precedences.
In June of 1906, an engineering pioneer, Louis Kissel, along with his sons Otto, Adolph, William and George, started up a new car company in Hartford, Wisconsin. They began manufacturing a wide variety of vehicles including utilities, cars, taxi cabs, hearses, fire engines and trucks. Their reputation centered around their ability to produce high quality products that were not only stylish, but dependable and affordable.
Though they unfortunately filed for bankruptcy in 1930, they produced more than 35,000 vehicles during their operational time. Their vehicles were so well built and dependable that many were passed down through generations of owners, keeping them within the original purchasing family. There are only about 150 of these classic beauties known to still be in existence today, though some have not been as meticulously maintained as the others.
One thing the company was known for was the production of completely customized vehicles. As an order was placed for each one, the customer was given they opportunity to cater the design to their preferences. They could choose between bullet or pancake drum headlights, step brackets or running boards, the number of bumper bars, fabric or leather upholstery, spare wheels that were mounted either in the rear or along the side, and even presented the option to have brackets installed to hold golf bags.
Allowing people to customize their new vehicles was just the beginning of many creative influences this brand would have on automobile industry. They also introduced changes to engine production and made bold moves in body design. Sliding gear transmission and indirect dashboard lighting were two such innovations that were available on choice models.
During their first twelve years of business, the company's primary focus was on engineering dependable vehicles with the attention to fine craftsmanship being evident. As the economy changed and people's tastes became more extravagant, the new models started taking on a more stylized and elegant appearance. It was not at all uncommon to see solid rubber tires with wooden spokes on these cars as well as certain luxuries like curtains and removable hard tops.
Among their most demanded products was the model known as the Speedster. It was long, sleek, attractive and had several engine and technological advancements that made it highly desirable to those craving speed and beauty. Many celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and Fatty Arbuckle owned this vehicle.
Kissel cars were not only respected during the early 1900's but have remained treasured, especially by modern day collectors. The company has made many contributions to the industry including the illuminated dashboard and several technological advances, and their design ideas are still inspiring designers today. There is no denying the massive impact this early manufacturer had on the field of automotive production.
In June of 1906, an engineering pioneer, Louis Kissel, along with his sons Otto, Adolph, William and George, started up a new car company in Hartford, Wisconsin. They began manufacturing a wide variety of vehicles including utilities, cars, taxi cabs, hearses, fire engines and trucks. Their reputation centered around their ability to produce high quality products that were not only stylish, but dependable and affordable.
Though they unfortunately filed for bankruptcy in 1930, they produced more than 35,000 vehicles during their operational time. Their vehicles were so well built and dependable that many were passed down through generations of owners, keeping them within the original purchasing family. There are only about 150 of these classic beauties known to still be in existence today, though some have not been as meticulously maintained as the others.
One thing the company was known for was the production of completely customized vehicles. As an order was placed for each one, the customer was given they opportunity to cater the design to their preferences. They could choose between bullet or pancake drum headlights, step brackets or running boards, the number of bumper bars, fabric or leather upholstery, spare wheels that were mounted either in the rear or along the side, and even presented the option to have brackets installed to hold golf bags.
Allowing people to customize their new vehicles was just the beginning of many creative influences this brand would have on automobile industry. They also introduced changes to engine production and made bold moves in body design. Sliding gear transmission and indirect dashboard lighting were two such innovations that were available on choice models.
During their first twelve years of business, the company's primary focus was on engineering dependable vehicles with the attention to fine craftsmanship being evident. As the economy changed and people's tastes became more extravagant, the new models started taking on a more stylized and elegant appearance. It was not at all uncommon to see solid rubber tires with wooden spokes on these cars as well as certain luxuries like curtains and removable hard tops.
Among their most demanded products was the model known as the Speedster. It was long, sleek, attractive and had several engine and technological advancements that made it highly desirable to those craving speed and beauty. Many celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and Fatty Arbuckle owned this vehicle.
Kissel cars were not only respected during the early 1900's but have remained treasured, especially by modern day collectors. The company has made many contributions to the industry including the illuminated dashboard and several technological advances, and their design ideas are still inspiring designers today. There is no denying the massive impact this early manufacturer had on the field of automotive production.
