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.

One thing the company was known for was the production of completely customized vehicles. As an order was placed for each one, the customer was given they opportunity to cater the design to their preferences. They could choose between bullet or pancake drum headlights, step brackets or running boards, the number of bumper bars, fabric or leather upholstery, spare wheels that were mounted either in the rear or along the side, and even presented the option to have brackets installed to hold golf bags.

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 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.

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.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

    Blogger news

    Blogroll

    Pages

    About