The Kissel brothers lived in the town of Hartford, Wisconsin where they made their living by creating engines and farm equipment. In 1906 they shifted their priorities to the evolving automobile market and created the Kissel Motor Company. The company was owned by Louis Kissel and his two sons, William and George. In 1907 their first vehicle, the Kissel Kar, went on sale. It was powered by a four-cylinder engine that produced 35 horsepower. The engine was water-cooled and L-head configuration. In 1909 a six-cylinder engine was introduced and by 1913 electric starters had been adapted to their line of vehicles. In 1917 a Double Six V-12 became available. Many of the Kissel cars used the Warner 4-speed selective sliding gear transmission. Solid rubber tires with wood spokes were not uncommon on the Kissel Kars.
Another famous Kissel car was the All-Year featuring a removable hardtop, glass windows, and curtains. Among its innovations was the illuminated instrument panel, the technology they claimed to have created.
Throughout the years the company had its share of ups and downs. The reputation and prosperity of the company was founded on quality, durability, advanced design, outstanding performance, and dependability. They were able to maintain this reputation because they were a low production company. With the onset of World War I, the name Kar was dropped from the line-up because of resemblance to German words. The company and its 1400 workers once again switched priority to producing trucks for the Army.
The Great Depression was responsible for the demise of the Kissel Automobile Company. In 1935 the company was reorganized and named Kissel Industries where they produced motors for Sears, Roebuck, and Company. In 1942 George Kissel passed away and the company was sold to West Bend Aluminum Company. By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009
This 1925 Kissel Goldbug Speedster Model 8-75 was built special at the Kissel factory in Hartford, WI, with step plates instead of running boards. It has factory installed golf club holders. There are less than six known to exist.....[continue reading]
Weekend Show Fields also Include Seldom-Seen Georgia and Southeastern Entrants on Display and Competing for Coveted Car Class and Best in Show Awards.
ATLANTA, August 30, 2018 – Now in its third year, the Atlanta Concours dElegance continues...
Touring-Bodied Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Named Best of Show at the 68th Pebble Beach Concours dElegance
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 26, 2018) — After an intense competition that drew diverse cars from around the globe, the coveted gold Best of Show...
2014 Sierra gains fuel economy, quietness from time in wind tunnel
DETROIT – The all-new 2014 Sierra full-size pickup truck spent more development time in a wind tunnel than any GMC pickup before it, resulting in design changes that ben...
Edsel Fords continental car, a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours dElegance. In the shape of Edsels seminal speedster is the genesis of Fords legendary design...
Mopar Offers More Than 25,000 Accessories Worldwide
Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Challenger are most accessorized vehicles in North America
Side steps, Jeep Wrangler tops and floor mats are best-selling accessories in North America
...
