The Hausmann Kissel Collection

1917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck Model 6-38

History of the 1917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck.

The 1917 Kissel US Army Model 6-38 truck, affectionately known as a “Red Arrow” Division vehicle, is a stunning recreation that pays homage to its historical roots. This remarkable truck transports us back to the days of World War I, faithfully capturing the essence of the original Light Support Vehicle.

With meticulous precision, the Hausmann Kissel Collection has re-assembled this vehicle, referencing period photographs to ensure authenticity. Using derelictKissel Model 6-38 chassis and parts acquired thru many decades, this project was started in 2020 during Covid. A custom-shaped oak body, crafted with unwavering attention to detail, faithfully replicates the prevailing army design of the era. Resting upon a sturdy Model 6-38 Chassis, this truck stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of Kissel.

To evoke a true sense of nostalgia, the body has been brush painted in the classic “1917 khaki” color, mirroring the WW1 practice of troopers hand-painting their vehicles during the war. This meticulous recreation not only honors the historical accuracy of the original vehicle but also serves as a visual time capsule, transporting us to a significant era in our past.

A closer examination of the truck reveals its markings, which hold deep significance for Kissel enthusiasts. Prior to 1917, the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard units operated separately. It is known that these units equipped themselves with local vehicles. However, with the federalization of these units into the US Army “Red Arrow” Division in 1917, the truck’s connection to both states becomes apparent. Manufactured by Kissel in Wisconsin and currently undergoing restoration by Hausmann in Michigan, it proudly bears the Red Arrow designation, symbolizing the unit’s consolidation and transformation during the war.

Additionally, the Kissel US Army truck bears the markings of the 120 Light Artillery Regiment, formerly known as the First Wisconsin Cavalry Unit. This nod to the unit’s reorganization highlights its historical significance and commemorates its vital role during World War I. These markings serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served in the armed forces during that time.

As of 2023, the restoration of this vehicle is finishing. We invite you to witness the progress of the restoration through a series of captivating images. These pictures capture the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication poured into each stage of the process. They serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment to preserving history and breathing life back into this remarkable WWI-era vehicle.

In conclusion, the ongoing restoration of the 1917 Kissel US Army Model 6-38 truck showcases the profound passion and dedication of the restoration team. By recreating this iconic vehicle, they not only pay homage to its historical significance but also provide a valuable educational resource for future generations. This faithful reproduction transports us back in time, allowing us to appreciate the engineering prowess and enduring spirit of the Kissel company in military guise.

BELOW ARE AUTHOR’S DESIGN SKETCHES AND PERIOD PHOTOS OF SIMILAR US ARMY LIGHT TRUCKS.

1917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck Model 6-381917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck Model 6-381917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck Model 6-38

1917 Kissel US Army Light Delivery Truck Model 6-38
ca. 1900s — View of Early Model Ambulance — Image by © Underwood & Underwood/CORBIS

IMG 224049098, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Cartruck, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

696733, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car Attachment 157234, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 2210, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 224049098, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car truck, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF BUILDING OAK TRUCK BODY

IMG 2872, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 2630, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 2648, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 2871 1, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3153, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 3177, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3173, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 3198, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3226, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3265, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3295, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF CURRENT RESTORATION OF TRUCK BODY

11 2020, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0673 Copy 2, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0676, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0679, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0682 Copy, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0677, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 0675 Copy, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF COMPONENTS IN VARIOUS STAGES OF RESURRECTION

IMG 3871, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarJIMG 2341, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 2774, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3175, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3833, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 3442, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 4092, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 3365, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic CarIMG 3488, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3489, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3624, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 3651, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF THE KISSEL 6-38 ENGINE RESTORATION

IMG 8591, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 0969, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car 69507418832 467263BE 7952 4348 BA06 15A5C53F813E, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 8648, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car IMG 8649, Kissel Roadster, Kissel Kar, Kissel Antique, Antique Speedster, Classic Car

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