Kissel Car Company's Industry Influence

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.

Though they unfortunately filed for bankruptcy in 1930, they produced more than 35,000 vehicles during their operational time. Their vehicles were so well built and dependable that many were passed down through generations of owners, keeping them within the original purchasing family. There are only about 150 of these classic beauties known to still be in existence today, though some have not been as meticulously maintained as the others.

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.

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.

During their first twelve years of business, the company's primary focus was on engineering dependable vehicles with the attention to fine craftsmanship being evident. As the economy changed and people's tastes became more extravagant, the new models started taking on a more stylized and elegant appearance. It was not at all uncommon to see solid rubber tires with wooden spokes on these cars as well as certain luxuries like curtains and removable hard tops.

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.