1927 Kissel Model 55 "Gold Bug" Speedster

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Chassis No. 55-13231 Engine No. 55-13294 The Kissel Motor Car Company of Hartford, Wisconsin, produced a solidly engineered, well-designed luxury automobile favored by America’s wealthiest, most flamboyant personages during the Jazz Age. Best remembered of the Kissel offerings is the jaunty two-passenger Speedster, with its boat-tailed rear end and cut-down doors, an automobile practically designed to accompany a raccoon coat and a flask of Canadian Club. Most often seen in Chrome Yellow with black fenders, it was popularly known as the “Gold Bug,” a name suggested in a Kissel-sponsored advertising contest. Documented by the Kissel Kar Klub, chassis 55-13231 is noted as one of fewer than 40 Kissel Speedsters known to survive today and among only three examples recorded in standard trim with wood-spoked artillery wheels—an especially attractive configuration. Chassis 55-13231 was long in the hands of Classic Car Club of America members Norman and Barbara Oliver of Lewiston, New York. They had acquired it, already restored, from Arizona Kissel specialist Stan Block. In early 2014, the Olivers sold chassis 55-13231 to California collector Ray Scherr, who refinished the car in its proper Chrome Yellow over black cycle fenders. Terence E. Adderley purchased it the following year for his respected Michigan-based collection where it remained for nine years before joining the current caretaker in 2024. Today, it presents with Woodlite headlamps, a three-bar nickel-plated front and rear bumper set, and ribbed rubber running boards with aluminum trim. The rear-mounted spare wears a black canvas “Kissel” embroidered cover, while red-pinstriped artillery wheels are wrapped in Coker Classic tires. Other notable appointments include a rumble seat upholstered in black leather to match the interior, a folding black canvas top and side curtains, a running board spotlight nickel-plated hardware and accessories throughout, diamond aluminum floorboards, locking gear shift, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, chassis lubrication system, and a United air cleaner with spinning turbine topping the Schebler-carbureted six-cylinder engine. This car is accompanied by an impressive history file of invoices, Kissel Kar Klub correspondence, and more. Chassis 55-13231 is a tidy, properly restored example of Kissel’s famous Speedster that enjoys CCCA Full Classic status and would be warmly welcomed on CARavans and at leading concours.

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VIN Code5513231