The Push-Button Transmission: A Brief History
The push-button transmission, also known as the push-button gear selector, is a type of automatic transmission that uses buttons or switches to select gears instead of a traditional gear lever. This type of transmission was first introduced in the 1950s, and it quickly became popular due to its convenience and ease of use.
The first car to feature a push-button transmission was the 1955 Chrysler PowerFlite. This transmission was operated by a series of buttons located on the dashboard, and it allowed drivers to select gears without having to use a clutch pedal. The PowerFlite transmission was a huge success, and it quickly became the standard for automatic transmissions in Chrysler vehicles.
Other car manufacturers soon followed suit, and by the 1960s, push-button transmissions were available on a wide variety of cars. Some of the most popular cars with push-button transmissions included the Ford Thunderbird, the Chevrolet Impala, and the Pontiac GTO.
How Does a Push-Button Transmission Work?
A push-button transmission works by using a series of solenoids to engage and disengage the gears. When a driver presses a button to select a gear, the solenoid for that gear is activated. This solenoid then moves a shift fork, which engages the desired gear.
Push-button transmissions are typically more expensive to manufacture than traditional gear lever transmissions. However, they are also more convenient and easier to use. This is especially true for drivers who are not familiar with manual transmissions.
The Decline of the Push-Button Transmission
The push-button transmission reached its peak of popularity in the 1960s. However, it began to decline in popularity in the 1970s. This was due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of manufacturing and the increasing popularity of manual transmissions.
By the 1980s, push-button transmissions were no longer available on new cars. However, they can still be found on some older vehicles.
What Cars Had a Push-Button Transmission?
Here is a list of some of the most popular cars that featured push-button transmissions:
* Chrysler PowerFlite (1955-1964)
* Ford Thunderbird (1955-1960)
* Chevrolet Impala (1958-1963)
* Pontiac GTO (1964-1966)
* Oldsmobile Starfire (1961-1966)
* Buick Riviera (1963-1965)
* Cadillac Eldorado (1963-1966)
The Future of the Push-Button Transmission
It is unlikely that push-button transmissions will ever return to popularity. However, they remain a popular choice for custom car builders and enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons of Push-Button Transmissions
Pros:
* Convenient and easy to use
* No need to use a clutch pedal
* Can be operated with one hand
* Can be used in conjunction with a steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter
Cons:
* More expensive to manufacture than traditional gear lever transmissions
* Can be less reliable than traditional gear lever transmissions
* Not as engaging to drive as a manual transmission
Conclusion
The push-button transmission was a significant innovation in the automotive industry. It made driving easier and more convenient, and it helped to popularize automatic transmissions. However, the push-button transmission eventually fell out of favor due to its high cost and declining popularity. Today, push-button transmissions are only found on a limited number of vehicles.
