Carkeyology

07/16/2026

1920 Kissel Model 6-45 'Gold Bug' Speedster

The 1920 Kissel Model 6-45 'Gold Bug' Speedster's most remarkable feature is its innovative slide-out "outrigger seats" (aka: "su***de seats") that extend from the bodywork (on each side), allowing two additional brave passengers to ride along behind the main compartment. This low-slung early American sports car delivers sporty performance from its 61 horsepower, 338 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

Painted in Kissel's signature Chrome Yellow (which inspired the "Gold Bug" nickname), these rare automobiles were prized possessions. Produced in limited numbers—between 50 and 100 yearly from 1919 to 1931—only 37 Gold Bug Speedsters survive today. Famous owners included Amelia Earhart, Ralph de Palma, and Al Jolson, cementing this model's status as an icon of early American automotive design.

07/15/2026

1958 Fiat 500 Spiaggina Boano

Gianni Agnelli controlled Fiat, was a leading figure in Italian industry, and owned Juventus F.C., but his influence extended well beyond the boardroom.

"L'Avvocato" was as well known for his personal style as for his business interests, and in 1958 he put both instincts to work by commissioning designer Felice Mario Boano (formerly of Carrozzeria Ghia and by then head of Fiat's Centro Stile) to build a pair of open runabouts on the Fiat Nuova 500 platform.

One went to Aristotle Onassis. This car, registered to Agnelli on June 25, 1958, stayed at his Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The Spiaggina stripped the 500 to its essentials: no doors, no roof, wicker front seats, a wood-trimmed beltline, and two-tone cream-over-navy paintwork. Power came from the 500's rear-mounted 479cc air-cooled twin, producing 15 horsepower through a four-speed manual.

A Vogue feature brought the car international attention, and it's widely credited with helping popularize the beach car concept that later included vehicles such as the Fiat 600 Jolly, Citroen Mehari, and Mini Moke.

Agnelli gave the car to his driver, Bernardino Aiassa, in 1973. It resurfaced decades later and was shown at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2018. It's the only known survivor of the two built.

07/15/2026