[ron hausmann]

Need help. I own a 1923 Kissel Model 6-45 Gold Bug Speedster which is equipped with E & J Model 20 nickle-plated bullet headlights. "edmund & Jones Model 20's are themselves very hard to obtain. According to the extremely limited Kissel writings that we've seen, these headlights were dealer options for kissel Speedsters sold in Hollywood, California, in the 1920's. However, when I have the car judged, there is often debate about these headlights being correct or not. Most judges have limited Kissel knowledge.
Does anyone out there know when Edmund & Jones started making Model 20 headlights?

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Ron...Welcome to the AACA Forum.

It may be a long shot however I suggest you contact our AACA Library & Research Center. We retain thousands of period literature on many vehicles to include original spec sheets.

In addition to vehicle literature we also have miscellaneous pieces that just may help you out. Certainly worth while. You also could request copies (nominal charge) of any info.

Click on Resources at the top of the page then AACA Library from the drop down box.

Our librarian, Chris Ritter and his staff could be contacted directly if you so desire: 717-534-2082 or critter@aacalibrary.org

Regards,

Peter J.

[ron hausmann]

All,
Thanks for your help.
The Kissel Museum in Hartford Wisconsin says that they are probably correct, and AACA's library shows that E & J Model 20 headlights were being advertised in the eary 1920's. Untill a judge can definely prove these are wrong, we will consider them correct and "cool".
RLH

[Restorer32]

Unfortunately in AACA competition the judge doesn't have to prove they are wrong you have to have factory documentation to prove they are RIGHT. We restored a Kissel Gold Bug, worked on a second and restored a '27 Kissel Brougham and have never seen any factory reference to these headlights. Nor are they evident in any of the factory ads or sales literature that we have seen. No reference to them in Val Quantz' history of Kissel. I would vote against them being a factory installed or authorized accessory but you are right, they are cool.

[KRK Sr.]

Wills Ste Claire had electric magnets in the OE headlights to change the angle of the reflecter for high and low beam. That said, here is a 1926 Wills with E&J headlights, never a factory option for them, but what a different look for a Wills. I wish I could be more help, I would not remove them! Karl

[KRK Sr.]

close up

[ron hausmann]

All,
Thanks again for your help. The International Kissel Weekend is June 21st and I will comb thru the archives there in Hartford, Wisconsin, which are the best in existence. There is one publication in "the Art of the Automobile, The 100 Greatest Cars', by Dennis Adler and Jay Leno, which definatively says that the Hollywood, Ca. Kissel Dealer mounted these lights on Kissel Gold Bugs. Where these folks got their information from may be Wm. Ruger Sr. who owned my 1923 Kissel Gold bug previously. If E & J's were available in 1923, I should be OK.
We'll see.
Ron Hausmann

[Restorer32]

But they would have to be a FACTORY AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY to qualify under AACA judging rules. The fact that a dealer installed them has no bearing regarding judging.

[ron hausmann]

The publication referred to above says that Kissel authorized them to be used on Hollywood Gold Bug Speedsters. at least that is what is in writing.
Thanks, -- RON --

[DizzyDale]

Dear Ron,I cannot answer your questions ,i just wanted to tell you what a GREAT car you have.The shapes of the radiator shell,hood and cowl to the semi boat tail,the port hole top to the shape of all the fenders to the large diameter of the wheels.What is the correct name for the JUMP seats?Those doors look awful narrow,can't be easy to get in and out.What a great car to take a trip in,put a couple of cases of your favorite adult beverage in what i believe is the rumble seat and it is easily accessed from either jump seat.SUPER car,THANKS for the pics. diz