1918 Kissel Kar Speedster
- Colour
- Black
The oldest surviving example among 37 known Kissel Speedsters, this early Wisconsin-built automobile retains all significant original components. It passed through the famous Harrah Collection before entering private hands in Alabama and then Pennsylvania. A meticulous restoration completed in 2017–2018 returned the car to its original all-black livery and uncovered period-correct materials beneath later replacements. Following restoration it earned the Heritage Award at The Elegance at Hershey in 2018.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$196,000
- → 1986Acquisition unknownHarrah Collectionfull documentation
Renowned collection that held the car by 1970; Harrah historian Ralph Dunwoody produced extensive documentation, now held at the AACA Library and Research Center.
- 1986 → 1990AuctionKnox Kershawpartial documentation
Based in Montgomery, Alabama; acquired the vehicle following the dispersal sale of the Harrah Collection.
- 1990 →Private saleJane and Larry MacElreepartial documentation
Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania; owned the car for roughly three decades and commissioned a thorough restoration by D.L. George Historic Motorcars in 2017–2018 before selling to the current owner.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownC.R. Funkpartial documentation
Based in Orchard Lake, Michigan; undertook the first known restoration of the vehicle during the latter half of the 1950s.
Competition
- 2017Grand Ascent Hill Climb at Hershey
The vehicle took part in this hillclimb event at Hershey during the restoration period.
- 20182018 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Shown following completion of the 2017–2018 restoration; no award result specified for this appearance.
- 2018Cool Cars for Kids at Simeone Foundation Museum
Display appearance at the Simeone Foundation Museum event in 2018 shortly after the restoration was finished.
- 2018The Elegance at HersheyHeritage Award
Newly restored vehicle received the Heritage Award at this concours event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2017RestorationD.L. George Historic Motorcars
Comprehensive restoration prioritising originality, carried out over 2017–2018. Paint stripped to bare metal, revealing the original all-black finish as the earliest layer; original aluminium dashboard recovered and refitted; period-correct running board and flooring materials reinstated beneath later replacements.
Workshop located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania.
- 2017MechanicalD.L. George Historic Motorcars
Full rebuild of the suspension, braking system, fuel system, gearbox, electrical system, and carburettor; engine and rear differential were disassembled and refreshed but judged not to require full rebuilding.
Carried out concurrently with the 2017–2018 bodywork and cosmetic restoration.
- —RestorationC.R. Funk
First restoration of the car carried out by C.R. Funk of Orchard Lake, Michigan, during the mid-to-late 1950s.
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