Kissel Car Company's Industry Influence

By Cecile Ingram

For as long as there have been automobiles, there have been certain companies that have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the industry. Whether it was through a technological innovation, a trend setting feature or some truly appealing design idea, certain models set the guidelines for many to follow. One such manufacturer was the Kissel Motor Car Company who introduced many concepts that are still in use.

In June of 1906, an engineering pioneer, Louis Kissel, along with his sons Otto, Adolph, William and George, started up a new car company in Hartford, Wisconsin. They began manufacturing a wide variety of vehicles including utilities, cars, taxi cabs, hearses, fire engines and trucks. Their reputation centered around their ability to produce high quality products that were not only stylish, but dependable and affordable.

In twenty-four years they produced over 35,000 vehicles before having to file in bankruptcy court in 1930. Their products were famed for being so dependably built that some of them are still being driven by descendants of the original purchasers. Unfortunately, only about one hundred and fifty of these cars are still around today and not all of them have been cared for and maintained in the fashion befitting such classic beauty.

This company was known for manufacturing vehicles that were completely customized to the preferences of their new owners. Each one that was produced was specially ordered for an individual. Customers were able to make certain option choices such as whether to have pancake drum or bullet style headlights, running boards or step brackets, how many bumper bars they desired, leather or fabric upholstery, spare wheels on mounted on the side or the rear and were even given the opportunity to have golf bag brackets installed.

Allowing people to customize their new vehicles was just the beginning of many creative influences this brand would have on automobile industry. They also introduced changes to engine production and made bold moves in body design. Sliding gear transmission and indirect dashboard lighting were two such innovations that were available on choice models.

The first twelve years of operation were dedicated to engineering vehicles that were dependable and recognized for an undeniable attention to fine craftsmanship. Changes in the economy and the tastes of the purchasing audience, the company began producing models that were a bit more extravagant and stylized in their appearance. Unique features like solid rubber tires with spokes of wood, removable hard tops and window curtains were not uncommon at all.

The Speedster was one of Kissel's more popular models. It featured several advancements in engineering technology that those enjoying speed were drawn too and a sleekly attractive body style that caught the eyes of many. It was a favorite of several celebrities from that era like Fatty Arbuckle, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and the incredible Amelia Earhart.

Kissel cars were not only respected during the early 1900's but have remained treasured, especially by modern day collectors. The company has made many contributions to the industry including the illuminated dashboard and several technological advances, and their design ideas are still inspiring designers today. There is no denying the massive impact this early manufacturer had on the field of automotive production.

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