Sunday 8 September 2013

Influence Of Kissel Car Company

By Cecile Ingram


Ever since the introduction of the very first automobile, there have been several companies that have had substantial impact on the industry. Whether it be a new and innovative technology, a revolutionary feature or an amazing design quality, certain models have influenced those that followed them. The Kissel Motor Car Company is one such manufacturer and many of their ideas are still being used today.

Louis Kissel officially started the company on June 5, 1906 with his four sons, George, William, Adolph and Otto. They set up shop in the town of Hartford, Wisconsin and began manufacturing high quality machines including cars, utility vehicles, trucks, fire engines, taxis and even hearses. They built a reputation for themselves by producing beautiful and dependable automobiles at a reasonable price.

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.

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 customers to customize their new car in this way was just one of the multiple innovative idea they introduced to the industry. They brought many changes to body style as well as engine design. The company claims to have created the concepts of selective sliding gear transmissions as well as illuminated dashboards.

The company's initial twelve years were focused on taking the time to perfect the engineering of vehicles that were highly dependable with craftsmanship that was beyond reproach. With the changing of society's demands, they did not give up their primary concerns but began enhancing those cars with more stylized appearances. They were often adorned with creative options such as tires on solid rubber on wheels of wooden spokes, removable hard tops and curtains in the windows.

One of their more popular models was the Speedster. This vehicle had several advanced engineering technologies that appealed to those who desired speed and style features that gave it a sleek and attractive appeal. It caught the eye of many well known personalities of the era such as Fatty Arbuckle, Al Jolson, Greta Garbo and Amelia Earhart.

Kissel cars were highly respected vehicles of their time and remain among the most treasured of the modern era. The company claims to have invented and introduced several engineering innovations, such as the illuminated dashboard, to the industry, and it is no doubt that they provided amazing style influences for the future designers. Their impact in the field of automotive manufacturing is undeniable and quite substantial.




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