1926 Kissel 6-55 Speedster "Gold Bug"
- Colour
- Chrome yellow with black accents
The Kissel 6-55 Speedster, known by the affectionate nickname 'Gold Bug', is one of fewer than 40 surviving examples and one of only three 6-55s known in standard trim with wood-spoked artillery wheels. Believed to be a very late 1926 production car, it has passed through the hands of several dedicated Kissel enthusiasts, receiving a full engine rebuild in 2006–2007 and a period-correct repaint in Chrome Yellow and black. Fitted with Woodlite headlamps, it represents a fine surviving example of Jazz Age American sporting motoring.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$195,250
- → 2014Private saleNorman and Barbara Oliverfull documentation
Prominent CCCA members from Lewiston, New York, who acquired the car already restored and undertook a full engine rebuild during 2006–2007, along with sourcing a correct new radiator and NOS wiper motor; paperwork and invoices retained in the file.
- 2014 → 2015Private saleRay Scherrpartial documentation
Prominent California collector who had the car refinished in the period-correct Chrome Yellow and black color scheme during his ownership.
- 2015 →Private saleTerence E. Adderleypartial documentation
Michigan-based collector; the car has remained part of his collection since acquisition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownStan Blockpartial documentation
Long-time Kissel devotee and accomplished restorer based in Arizona; sold the car in restored condition to the next owners.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationStan Block
Car was comprehensively restored to a high standard prior to acquisition by the Oliver family; the restorer responsible was Stan Block of Arizona.
- —Mechanical
A correct new-old-stock Trico wiper motor was sourced and fitted, and a new correct-specification radiator was commissioned from a supplier in England.
Undertaken during the Oliver ownership; supporting documentation is present in the car's file.
- —Engine rebuildBuck Varnon
The engine was completely rebuilt to a high standard over an approximately two-year period.
Work carried out between 2006 and 2007 by Buck Varnon of Michigan; invoices are included in the documentation file.
- —Bodywork
The car was refinished in the appropriate period colours of Chrome Yellow and black during Ray Scherr's ownership.
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