1926 Kissel 6-55

The Kissel Company of Hartford, Wisconsin, manufactured high-quality automobiles that were expensive but popular with America's wealthiest individuals. The company's two-passenger 'Gold Bug' speedster was one of its most memorable creations, joining the ranks of the Mercer Raceabout and Stutz Bearcat of the same era.

The Kissel family emigrated from Germany in the 19th century and settled in Hartford, Wisconsin. The company's farming business steadily expanded into commerce and manufacturing. Brothers George and Will Kissel built an automobile for their own use in 1905, commencing with series production shortly thereafter. While most automakers of this era preferred to 'assemble' their motorcars using readily available parts, the Kissel brothers preferred to make most of the components themselves, including the engine, which was of their own design. They were aided by Herman Palmer and Friedrich Werner, who brought expertise in engineering (Palmer) and coachbuilding (Werner). Palmer introduced a 'double-drop' design in 1911 that would be employed by Kissel automobiles throughout the marque's history. This gave the Kissels a lower stance, improving its handling and performance.

In January 1919, a custom-built special was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. It had a streamlined appearance designed by stylists working under New York distributor Conover T. Silver, with a high cowl, bending hood, and cut-down doors. The top folded in a 'jack-knife' fashion, and when lowered, it gave an uncluttered appearance. A pair of occasional seats slid out from the bodywork just behind the passenger compartment.

The Kissel Special was given the nickname 'Gold Bug' from a naming contest organized by Kissel and was chosen from over 500 submissions. Between 1919 and 1931, around 50 to 100 examples were built per year.

The Kissel automobiles were popular with the Hollywood elite, such as Fatty Arbuckle, Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Ruby Keeler, Rudy Vallee, and Mary Pickford.

1926 Kissel 6-55
The 1926 Kissel Model 6-55 was equipped with an L-head inline 6-cylinder engine that displaced 265 cubic inches and produced approximately 61 horsepower. It had a three-speed manual transmission, leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Offered in 'Standard' and 'Deluxe' configurations, the Model 55 was available in a variety of open and closed body styles. Prices for the Standard Model 55 ranged from $1,585 to $2,185. The Deluxe Model 55 was priced from $1,785 to $3,185.

Body styles included a 2- and 4-passenger speedster, a coupe, a tourster, a Brougham sedan, a two-door Brougham, a phaeton, an enclosed speedster (2- and 4-passenger), and a Victoria. The touring body style had seating for seven. The Deluxe version had the same list of body styles, plus a sedan and Berline sedan - both with seating for seven.

Kissel also offered an eight-cylinder model in 1926 - the Model 75 (8-75), offered in Standard and Deluxe trim.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2025