Kissel, the pride of Hartford, Wisconsin, manufactured an extremely high-quality automobile, which was quite costly and enjoyed favor among celebrities of the 1910s and 1920s. This was never truer than of the company’s sportiest model, the taper-tailed two-passenger speedster, affectionately nicknamed the “Gold Bug” through a promotional contest. Kissel “Gold Bugs” were owned by a who’s who of Roaring Twenties celebrities and socialites, most prominently Amelia Earhart, who drove her example extensively all over the United States.

The 6-55 Speedster offered here is recorded by the KisselKar Klub as being one of fewer than 40 intact Speedsters remaining in existence, and one of just three 6-55s known in standard trim, with wood-spoked artillery wheels. Believed to be a very late-production 1926 model, it was previously owned by well-known Classic Car Club of America members Norman and Barbara Oliver of Lewiston, New York, who acquired the car in restored condition from longtime Kissel enthusiast and noted restorer Stan Block of Arizona. The Olivers had the engine fully rebuilt in 2006 to 2007 by Buck Varnon of Michigan; commissioned a new, correct radiator from England; and acquired a correct new-old-stock Trico wiper motor, as supported by notes and invoices included in the file.

Eventually the Kissel was sold by the Olivers in early 2014 to noted collector Ray Scherr of California, in whose ownership it was refinished in the proper colors of Chrome Yellow and black. Terence E. Adderley purchased the car the following year, and it has since remained a part of his distinguished Michigan collection. Still every bit the rakish beast of its youth, accented by period-correct Woodlite headlamps, it is a marvelous car for the enthusiast of Jazz Age American machines.