1960’s Cars with Push Button Transmission
A Shift in Style and Convenience
The 1960s was a decade of innovation and change for the automotive industry. One of the most notable developments was the introduction of push button transmissions. This new technology replaced the traditional gear lever and offered drivers an easier and more convenient way to change gears.
Push button transmissions were first introduced on the 1955 Chrysler Imperial. However, they did not become widely popular until the early 1960s, when they were adopted by a number of major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Pontiac.
How Push Button Transmissions Worked
Push button transmissions worked on the principle of hydraulics. When a driver pressed a button, hydraulic fluid was sent to a valve, which then directed the fluid to the appropriate gear. This system was much simpler and more reliable than the gear lever, which was prone to wear and tear.
Push button transmissions were also more convenient than gear levers. Drivers no longer had to reach down to shift gears, which made driving easier and more comfortable.
Advantages of Push Button Transmissions
Push button transmissions offered a number of advantages over gear levers, including:
- Improved convenience
- Increased reliability
- Reduced wear and tear
- Enhanced driving experience
Disadvantages of Push Button Transmissions
Push button transmissions were not without their disadvantages, however. These included:
- Potential for accidental gear changes
- Increased cost
- Limited availability
Legacy of Push Button Transmissions
Push button transmissions were a significant innovation in the automotive industry. They offered drivers a number of advantages over gear levers, including improved convenience, increased reliability, and reduced wear and tear.
However, push button transmissions were eventually replaced by automatic transmissions, which were even more convenient and easier to use. Today, push button transmissions are only found on a few classic cars.
Examples of 1960’s Cars with Push Button Transmission
Some of the most popular 1960’s cars with push button transmission included:
- 1961 Ford Thunderbird
- 1962 Chevrolet Impala
- 1963 Pontiac Catalina
- 1964 Buick Riviera
- 1965 Chrysler Imperial
These cars were not only stylish and powerful, but they also featured the latest and greatest in automotive technology, including push button transmissions.
Conclusion
Push button transmissions were a major innovation in the automotive industry in the 1960s. They offered drivers a number of advantages over gear levers, including improved convenience, increased reliability, and reduced wear and tear. However, push button transmissions were eventually replaced by automatic transmissions, which were even more convenient and easier to use. Today, push button transmissions are only found on a few classic cars.
