In the years since the first car was introduced, several companies have stepped up to leave their mark on the automotive industry. It may have been a breakthrough in technology, an innovative new feature or perhaps it was a stylistic change that influenced all those models that were to follow them in the future. The Kissel Company was one of those manufacturers whose products set great precedences.
On June 5, 1906, Louis Kissel and his sons George, Adolph, William and Otto, officially launched their new car company. They built a factory in Hartford, Wisconsin and commenced to producing vehicles of high quality, including cars, trucks, fire engines, hearses, taxi cabs and utility automobiles. They became known for delivering beauty, dependability and innovation all at affordable prices.
Before filing bankruptcy in 1930, the company thrived for twenty-four years and produced over 35,000 vehicles. The vehicles were built so well and were so dependable that a large number of them were actually passed down through generations of the original purchaser's family. Unfortunately, there are only roughly 150 of these treasures known to have survived today though sadly not all have been properly cared for or preserved.
Another thing that set this company apart was their practice of only manufacturing cars as they were ordered. Customers were given the chance to make custom decisions about their vehicles so that it better fit their personal style. Some of the options they were able to choose were things like did they want running boards or step brackets, headlights in the drum or bullet style, upholstery of fabric or leather, spare wheels mounted on the rear or side, the desired number of bumper bars and even the luxury of installed golf bag brackets.
The complete customization of each vehicle was only one of the many innovative influences this company made on the industry. They came up with several improvements in engine design as well as body features. Indirect dashboard lighting and selective sliding gear transmissions were some of the great options placed on certain 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.
Among their most demanded products was the model known as the Speedster. It was long, sleek, attractive and had several engine and technological advancements that made it highly desirable to those craving speed and beauty. Many celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and Fatty Arbuckle owned this vehicle.
Kissel cars were not only respected during their heyday, but are still treasured among collectors in the modern age. Credit for the invention of several engineering advancements like the illuminated dashboard is given to this company, as well as respect for influencing quite a few style innovations that sparked great designs in future years. The impact of this manufacturer on the automotive industry is substantial and undeniable.
On June 5, 1906, Louis Kissel and his sons George, Adolph, William and Otto, officially launched their new car company. They built a factory in Hartford, Wisconsin and commenced to producing vehicles of high quality, including cars, trucks, fire engines, hearses, taxi cabs and utility automobiles. They became known for delivering beauty, dependability and innovation all at affordable prices.
Before filing bankruptcy in 1930, the company thrived for twenty-four years and produced over 35,000 vehicles. The vehicles were built so well and were so dependable that a large number of them were actually passed down through generations of the original purchaser's family. Unfortunately, there are only roughly 150 of these treasures known to have survived today though sadly not all have been properly cared for or preserved.
Another thing that set this company apart was their practice of only manufacturing cars as they were ordered. Customers were given the chance to make custom decisions about their vehicles so that it better fit their personal style. Some of the options they were able to choose were things like did they want running boards or step brackets, headlights in the drum or bullet style, upholstery of fabric or leather, spare wheels mounted on the rear or side, the desired number of bumper bars and even the luxury of installed golf bag brackets.
The complete customization of each vehicle was only one of the many innovative influences this company made on the industry. They came up with several improvements in engine design as well as body features. Indirect dashboard lighting and selective sliding gear transmissions were some of the great options placed on certain 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.
Among their most demanded products was the model known as the Speedster. It was long, sleek, attractive and had several engine and technological advancements that made it highly desirable to those craving speed and beauty. Many celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Greta Garbo, Al Jolson and Fatty Arbuckle owned this vehicle.
Kissel cars were not only respected during their heyday, but are still treasured among collectors in the modern age. Credit for the invention of several engineering advancements like the illuminated dashboard is given to this company, as well as respect for influencing quite a few style innovations that sparked great designs in future years. The impact of this manufacturer on the automotive industry is substantial and undeniable.
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