1936 DeSoto Cars with Automatic Transmission

Introduction

In 1936, DeSoto introduced the Airflow, a streamlined car with a number of innovative features, including an automatic transmission. The Airflow was the first car to offer an automatic transmission as standard equipment, and it was a major selling point for the car.

The Automatic Transmission

The DeSoto Airflow’s automatic transmission was called the “Fluid Drive.” It was a three-speed transmission that used a fluid coupling to shift gears. The fluid coupling was a torque converter that allowed the engine to run at a constant speed while the transmission shifted gears. This made for a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The Fluid Drive transmission was also more efficient than a manual transmission. It allowed the engine to run at a lower RPM, which saved fuel. It also reduced wear and tear on the engine and transmission.

The Airflow

The DeSoto Airflow was a radical departure from previous DeSoto models. It had a sleek, streamlined design that was inspired by the Art Deco movement. The Airflow was also one of the first cars to use a unibody construction, which made it lighter and more rigid than traditional cars.

The Airflow was not a commercial success. It was too expensive for most buyers, and its radical design was not to everyone’s taste. However, the Airflow was a significant car in the history of automotive design. It was the first car to offer an automatic transmission as standard equipment, and it helped to popularize the use of unibody construction.

Conclusion

The 1936 DeSoto Airflow was a groundbreaking car that introduced a number of innovative features, including an automatic transmission. The Airflow was not a commercial success, but it helped to pave the way for the future of automotive design.