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Photo Credit: James Mann FROM THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. RUGER 1923 KISSEL MODEL 45 'GOLD BUG' SPEEDSTER Chassis No. 7245 Engine No. 45-6874 Yellow with black fenders and black leather interior with beige hood Engine: L-head, six cylinder, in-line, 338ci, 61hp; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: Watson stabilators front, semi-elliptic springs front and rear; Brakes: two wheel mechanical. Left hand drive. The Kissel family emigrated from Germany in the 19th century, settling in Wisconsin where the family business steadily expanded from farming into commerce and manufacturing. In 1905 George Kissel and his brother Will built an automobile for their own use, not the usual kids' contraption, but a four cylinder shaft drive roadster. Based on the success of this brave endeavor, George and Will (both still in their twenties) set up the Kissel Motor Car Company in 1906 under the already established parent company L. Kissel & Sons. Initially engines were supplied by Beaver and bodies were made by Zimmerman Brothers, a local sleigh manufacturing firm. It is worth noting that apart from the early cars, almost all Kissels were made entirely in-house. What helped to get the business started was an early order to the tune of one hundred vehicles from a Chicago distributor by the name of W.A. McDuffee. Though never in the realms of contemporary giants such as Ford, output grew modestly and by 1915 total production figures had exceeded a thousand units per annum. Highly regarded for a high level of engineering quality and often featuring unusual body styling, by the early 1920s the small family-run firm was attracting a range of customers with its all encompassing line-up. Among the Kissel Motor Car Company's clients were a number of celebrities such as pioneering female pilot Amelia Earhart and the comedic legend of the silent screen, Fatty Arbuckle. Despite widespread notoriety and various financial contributions, the company fell victim to the Great Depression and was finally declared bankrupt in September 1930; sadly the Kissel name was never again heard from in automotive circles. Naming vehicles is always a difficult process, but in 1919 it was made all the easier for Kissel. W.W. Brownie, automotive editor of the Milwaukee Journal , was loaned a yellow speedster by Kissel to tour the highways of Wisconsin and after nearly five thousand miles he jubilantly referred to it as "one of the best all-round cars in its class". Through his column he offered five dollars to the individual who could conjure up a nickname for this spritely vehicle; the winning name was of course "Gold Bug" and although unofficial it remains to this day. Designed with the influence of New York distributor Conover T. Silver, the sporty Gold Bug featured the innovative use of outrigger seats that were discretely hidden in the side of the body when not in use. Produced in a year when Kissel actually made a profit, this restored example is delightful in its contrasting yellow and black color scheme. The paintwork can be described as very presentable with a few minor chips on the trailing edges. Since completion of the restoration, the Gold Bug was driven for the first time last summer and has probably only traveled 100 miles or so since. Upon inspection in the trunk, the body number of 15268 is evident along with a hand crank and wheel wrench. In keeping with original specification, the CM Hall stop light is retained but it is apparent that the headlights have been replaced with a set of rare and highly desirable Edmonds & Jones bullet-shaped ones. All of the brightwork is nickel and there are step-plates all round with boot scrapers for the front. Kissel hubcaps, Motometer and badge on the radiator core all proudly identify the maker's name. The car has the signature twin mother-in-law seats which are correct for the model as well as side mounted spares with canvas covers. Driving is enlivened by the exhaust whistle and exhaust cut-out! In highly present