1911 Kissel Kar D-11 Touring

The first Kissel Kar (after World War 1, 'Kar' would be dropped due to its Germanic tone) was manufactured in 1905. It was a four-cylinder runabout with shaft drive and the early production car wore bodies by a sleigh manufacturer and was powered by Beaver engines. By 1909, the Kissel Kars was available in several sizes with models priced from $1,350 to $3,000. A six-cylinder model was soon introduced. A more sporting touring car with a double-dropped chassis was introduced in 1911. By this point, several body styles were available including a 'Semi-Racer' alongside other sporting touring cars.

Kissel would continue to build a reputation for high-quality automobiles. They struggled through the late 1920s and filed for bankruptcy in 1930, its last efforts being large 6- and 8-cylinder vehicles for the 1931 model year.

Powering the D-11 model was a 380 cubic-inch engine with its cylinders cast in two pairs. This 'drop chassis' 50 horsepower Toy Tonneau is finished in a red paint scheme with darker red on the fender moldings and gold striping across the body, chassis and springs. It is fitted with Rushmore brass headlamps, sidelights and a bulb horn, and a Prest-O-Lite acetylene generator sits on its running board. It has a full-length top and a tufted leather interior.

This Kissel Kar Model D-11 was given a restoration in the early 2000s. The 380 cubic-inch L-head 4-cylinder engine is fitted with a single Stromberg carburetor offering 50 horsepower. There is a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive and rear drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015