1921 Kissel Model 6-45

The Kissel name was first associated with agricultural equipment, later with stationary gas engines. Beginning in 1906 and until the First World War, George and Wil Kissel built the KisselKar in Hartford, Wisconsin. With the advent of World War I, the name was thought to be too German so 'Kar' was dropped. Despite their conservative nature, the brothers set about building very progressive and stylish automobiles, including a rakish speedster first introduced in 1917.

By 1930, sales dropped significantly and Kissel fell into receivership in September of that year. During its heyday, the company attracted a rather formidable clientele: Fatty Arbuckle, Al Jolson, Eddie Duchin, Amelia Earhart, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, William S. Hart, and Rudy Vallee.