1920 Kissel Model 45 Speedster

On January 23rd of 1919, two Kissel custom-built body styles were exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show. Kissel called them 'Silver Specials,' named after Conover T. Silver, a New York distributor, and his team of stylists who created these masterpieces. The Tourster was presented in 'Silver Blue' and the Speedster in 'Chrome Yellow.' The speedster was affectionately named the 'Gold Bug.' With its high cowl and bending hood, the doors and rear of the body were lower, creating a streamlined look. The most notable feature was the way the top folded, with the main beam being made to jack-knife with the booted top nestled to the rounded body contour.

Making up 60-percent of Kissel's sales during its first year, the Silver Special were craved by all. The car attracted purchasers such as dignitaries in aviation, automobile racing and theatre. Among the purchasers were Amelia Earhart, Ralph DePalma and Al Jolson.

This 1920 Kissel Model 6-45 'Gold Bug' Speedster (a Model 6-45) was acquired in 1921 by Charles T. Bent of Rhode Island, who promptly used it to take his new wife on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls. The Speedster remained with the Bent family for 37 years - including being used by the couple's daughter, Beatrice, as her college automobile.

Antique dealer Ralph Murphy acquired the Kissel in 1958, then sold it to George Hall, who began a restoration completed by the next owner, Eugene E. Husting of Boston. Mr. Husting exhibited the car at several Veteran Motor Car Club of America gatherings, as well as in the club's museum at what is now the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The Gold Bug then became part of the Harrah's Automobile Collection but was supplanted in 1964 by the earliest known example. Over the coming years, the car changed hands on several occasions, most prominently residing with Alfred Koller, in whose ownership received a body-off restoration by Penn-Dutch of York, Pennsylvania, and became an AACA Senior award-winner.

Since 2014, this Kissel has been part of the Academy of Art University Automobile Collection.

The car shows minor cracking in its paint at the rear of the body. The crushed leather seats are in fine condition. There are Halliday spring-loaded bumpers (a period accessory), and a folding 'trap seat' on the side of the body. This 1920 Kissel is titled as a Model Year 1922.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2023