The Innovations Of The Kissel Car

Written By Admin on Minggu, 08 September 2013 | 09.03

By Cecile Ingram


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.

Louis Kissel officially started the company on June 5, 1906 with his four sons, George, William, Adolph and Otto. They set up shop in the town of Hartford, Wisconsin and began manufacturing high quality machines including cars, utility vehicles, trucks, fire engines, taxis and even hearses. They built a reputation for themselves by producing beautiful and dependable automobiles at a reasonable price.

Before filing bankruptcy in 1930, the company thrived for twenty-four years and produced over 35,000 vehicles. The vehicles were built so well and were so dependable that a large number of them were actually passed down through generations of the original purchaser's family. Unfortunately, there are only roughly 150 of these treasures known to have survived today though sadly not all have been properly cared for or preserved.

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.

The complete customization of each vehicle was only one of the many innovative influences this company made on the industry. They came up with several improvements in engine design as well as body features. Indirect dashboard lighting and selective sliding gear transmissions were some of the great options placed on certain models.

The company's initial twelve years were focused on taking the time to perfect the engineering of vehicles that were highly dependable with craftsmanship that was beyond reproach. With the changing of society's demands, they did not give up their primary concerns but began enhancing those cars with more stylized appearances. They were often adorned with creative options such as tires on solid rubber on wheels of wooden spokes, removable hard tops and curtains in the windows.

The Speedster was one of Kissel's more popular models. It featured several advancements in engineering technology that those enjoying speed were drawn too and a sleekly attractive body style that caught the eyes of many. It was a favorite of several celebrities from that era like Fatty Arbuckle, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and the incredible Amelia Earhart.

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.




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