1968 Buick Push Button Transmission Cars
Buick’s push-button transmission was a revolutionary innovation when it was introduced in 1968. The system replaced the traditional gear selector lever with a series of buttons, making it easier and more convenient to shift gears. The push-button transmission was available on all Buick models for 1968, and it quickly became a popular option.
The push-button transmission was designed by General Motors engineer George W. Rendell. Rendell had been working on the project since the early 1960s, and he eventually developed a system that was both reliable and user-friendly. The push-button transmission was a major breakthrough in automotive technology, and it helped to make Buick cars more popular than ever before.
How the Push-Button Transmission Works
The push-button transmission works by using a series of electrical solenoids to shift gears. When a driver presses a button, the solenoid for that gear is activated and the transmission shifts accordingly. The push-button transmission is much more efficient than a traditional gear selector lever, and it also provides smoother shifts.
The push-button transmission is located on the center console of the car. The buttons are arranged in a vertical row, with the park button at the top and the reverse button at the bottom. The buttons are backlit, and they are easy to see and use, even at night.
Advantages of the Push-Button Transmission
The push-button transmission offers a number of advantages over traditional gear selector levers. Some of the advantages of the push-button transmission include:
* Ease of use: The push-button transmission is much easier to use than a traditional gear selector lever. The buttons are large and easy to press, and they are located in a convenient location on the center console.
* Smooth shifts: The push-button transmission provides smoother shifts than a traditional gear selector lever. The solenoids that shift the gears are very precise, and they provide a smooth and seamless transition between gears.
* Increased fuel economy: The push-button transmission can help to improve fuel economy by reducing shift shock. Shift shock is a sudden change in the car’s speed that can occur when the gears are shifted. The push-button transmission reduces shift shock by providing smoother shifts, which can help to improve fuel economy.
Disadvantages of the Push-Button Transmission
The push-button transmission also has some disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages of the push-button transmission include:
* Cost: The push-button transmission is more expensive than a traditional gear selector lever. This is because the push-button transmission requires more complex components, such as solenoids and electronic controls.
* Reliability: The push-button transmission is not as reliable as a traditional gear selector lever. The solenoids and electronic controls that are used in the push-button transmission can fail, which can lead to transmission problems.
* Driver feedback: The push-button transmission does not provide as much driver feedback as a traditional gear selector lever. This is because the driver does not feel the gears being shifted when they press the buttons. This can make it difficult for the driver to know what gear the car is in.
Conclusion
The push-button transmission was a significant innovation when it was introduced in 1968. The system made it easier and more convenient to shift gears, and it also provided smoother shifts. However, the push-button transmission was also more expensive and less reliable than traditional gear selector levers. As a result, the push-button transmission was eventually phased out in favor of more traditional designs.
Additional Information
Here is some additional information about the 1968 Buick push-button transmission cars:
* The push-button transmission was available on all Buick models for 1968.
* The push-button transmission was also available on the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Pontiac Grand Prix for 1968.
* The push-button transmission was discontinued in 1973.
* The push-button transmission is a popular collector’s item today.
