Engine - 288 cubic-inch L-head inline-8
Transmission - 3-speed manual
Horsepower - 71 at 3,000 rpm
Production - 1,147 Kissel vehicles for 1927 total

“The All-Year Car”

The Kissel brothers resided in Hartford, Wisconsin, where they earned their livelihood by manufacturing engines and agricultural machinery. In 1906, they redirected their focus toward the emerging automobile industry and established the Kissel Motor Company. The Kissel Kar, the company's inaugural vehicle, was introduced for sale in 1907. Over time, the company experienced both successes and setbacks. Their commitment to quality, innovative design, performance, and reliability was facilitated by the company's limited production volume. When World War I commenced, the brand name “Kar” was eliminated from the product line due to its similarities to German terms. The company and its 1,400 employees consequently shifted their focus toward manufacturing trucks for military purposes. The downturn of the economy during the Great Depression led to the eventual demise of the Kissel Automobile Company. Following a reorganization in 1935, the company was renamed Kissel Industries and focused on manufacturing motors for Sears, Roebuck, and Company. After the death of George Kissel in 1942, the company was subsequently acquired by the West Bend Aluminum Company.

As acquired from the grandson of its original owner, this 1927 Kissel 8-75 Speedster enjoys a wistful history among its ardent former custodians. The vehicle was originally purchased by Illinois resident and golfer, Arthur N. Powers in 1927. He and his wife would take the Kissel to the local country club, or even drive it to Chicago on a nice day. Over winter, the car was transported by railcar to Arizona, where they could escape the snow and play more golf. In years prior, Kissels had been marketed as “The All-Year Car” in advertisements, but for Mr. and Mrs. Powers, this certainly rang true. Their grandson, Bruce McBroom developed a fondness for the Kissel 8-75 Speedster while visiting them regularly and hoped to drive it when he turned 16. Several years had passed, and one day he was informed that the Kissel had been sold. However, Bruce’s ongoing interest in classic cars had kept him curious about that 8-75 for the decades that followed. Through the knowledge of a Kissel enthusiast named Gene Husting who had been tracking the car, he discovered that the paint scheme had changed, and the car (after a few other owners) was now in the hands of Wally Rank, a CCCA member from Milwaukee. After many years of “reminding” Wally of his interest in purchasing the Kissel through holiday cards, Bruce eventually found the car listed for sale in 1993 with an ad in Hemmings Motor News. The Kissel was back in the family at last, complete with some of his grandparents’ original golf clubs now reattached.