E & J Model 20 Headlights - Kissel Gold Bug - Page 3

ron hausmann · February 6th, 2009

Restorer 32
You are correct. The recognition appeal I made to CCCA is for Kissel Gold Bugs only, 1920 to 1923, just like mine has, since it is a fact that some Kissel 6-55 Gold Bugs came factory equipped with 6-45 engines. Just doesn't seem right that not all 1923 Kissel Gold Bugs can be classics, while the cheaper model 6-55 coupes are.
Thanks, -- RON --

Restorer32 · February 7th, 2009

OK I agree. The Gold Bug we restored is a '21 Model 6-45. The Brougham is a '27 Model 6-55. The engines are virtually identical. The only feature I might consider more "Classic" on the Brougham is the Lockheed hydraulic brakes. By the way, we had 70 or so hubcap center medallions reproduced for the Houk wire wheels. We kept 5 and donated the remainder to the Kissel Museum. I'm sure they have some left if you are in need of any. They are nickle plated and in-painted black as original.

Dave Fields · February 9th, 2009

Has anyone ever ridden in thos side seats? It looks terrifying!

Bob McAnlis · February 9th, 2009

Ron:

The picture in the Conde book is not the one I remembered. I will keep looking. I have a lot of references.

Bob McAnlis

ron hausmann · February 10th, 2009

Dave Fields,
These "outrigger seats" were also known as "suicide seats" and "mother-in-law" seats. They were standard on Kissel Gold Bug Speedsters from 1920-1923. The car was sold as a 4-passenger. In 1924 these were discontinued. In 1925, Kissel started using "rumble seats".
The Paige Daytona Roadsters of this era had similar seats, but only one on the right side. A few early Marmons had them as well.
I have ridden in them - S-l-o-w-l-y. I would never have anyone else. They are surisingly sturdy and you won't fall out, possibly because you are scared stiff.
Thanks, RON

alsancle · February 13th, 2009

That car looks great with the E&J lights on it. I doubt you are going to find a judge that knows more about your car then you do. A smart judge will differ to a knowledgeable owner in a situation like this.

West Peterson · February 19th, 2009

Ron
While digging through stuff to illustrate an upcoming article in Antique Automobile, we came upon this 1926 Graham-Paige with your headlights, so it's definitely not out of the question that Kissel may have offered them, or any other manufacturer that catered to the wants of its customers for that matter.

Bob McAnlis · September 16th, 2009

Check out Kissel for sale on prewarcar.com posted today. An unrestored Goldbug sporting these lights.

Restorer32 · September 17th, 2009

Very interesting. Wonder if it's original or an older (much older) restoration? Would sure like to restore it. Those lights do look good, factory authorized or not. Not sure the seller has the correct year identified though.

Restorer32 · September 27th, 2009

We have been trying to make contact with the advertiser of this Kissel but to no avail. Anyone else have any luck?