1920 Kissel Gold Bug Speedster

Well, they just don’t make’m like they used to. The Kissel Motor Company of Hartford, Wisconsin, another of literally hundreds of early U.S. automobile manufacturers, built this rakish little ride from 1919-1928.

It’s written that you don’t drive the car as much as you wear it, especially with the top raised. Also note that there is only one door, and it’s on the wrong side. Hence the steering wheel detail. Two trunk lids, but only one door… Apparently is was expensive for it’s day, among its notable owners; Charlie Chaplin, Amelia Earhardt, Fatty Arbuckle, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Al Jolson, William Randolf Hearst.

Ralph Nader would have had a field day with this … if he hadn’t been born fourteen years later. Kind of gives new meaning to the term “jump seat”.

Photo source > 1920 Kissel Gold Bug

And it isn’t the only model they built > 1923 Kissel Gold Bug Speedster - Kissels and Classic Cars                                 by Ronald Hausmann P.E.

a beautiful little number!