1960’s cars with push button transmission

The Buttoned-Up Ride: A Look at 1960s Cars with Push-Button Transmissions

The 1960s were a time of rapid technological advancement, and the automotive industry was no exception. The decade saw the birth of muscle cars, the rise of safety features, and the introduction of new and innovative technologies. One such innovation was the push-button transmission, which became a popular feature in many American cars.

While the push-button transmission was hailed as a modern marvel, it was often criticized for being prone to malfunctions and for its susceptibility to environmental elements like dust and moisture. These concerns, coupled with a shift in consumer preferences toward conventional automatic transmissions, ultimately led to the decline of this innovative but ultimately flawed technology by the late 1970s.

Let’s take a look back at the rise and fall of push-button transmissions, exploring their history, their quirks, and their legacy.

Early Innovations: The Shift Towards Convenience

The concept of a push-button transmission wasn’t entirely new in the 1960s. As early as the 1940s, General Motors experimented with push-button controls for their Hydra-Matic transmissions. However, these early systems were complex and prone to problems.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that push-button transmissions began to gain traction. In 1956, Chrysler introduced its “Push-Button PowerFlite” transmission, which featured a cluster of buttons mounted on the dashboard for selecting gears. Ford followed suit with its “Fordomatic” push-button transmission in 1957.

The push-button transmission offered a number of advantages over conventional lever-operated automatic transmissions. First, it was more convenient and easier to use. Drivers could simply press the desired gear button, eliminating the need for awkward arm movements to shift gears.

Second, the push-button transmission was more space-saving. By moving the transmission controls from the floor to the dashboard, it freed up space in the cabin. This was especially beneficial in compact cars, where interior space was at a premium.

Pioneering Models: The Push-Button Era Begins

The 1960s saw the push-button transmission become a popular feature in many American cars. Here are some of the notable models:

* **Chrysler:** Chrysler was a pioneer in the push-button transmission, offering it in a wide range of models, including the Plymouth Valiant, the Dodge Dart, and the Chrysler Newport.
* **Ford:** Ford’s “Fordomatic” push-button transmissions were featured in popular models like the Ford Fairlane and the Ford Galaxie.
* **General Motors:** While General Motors was initially hesitant to embrace the technology, they eventually introduced their own version of the push-button transmission, called “Turbomatic,” in models like the Chevrolet Impala and the Cadillac Fleetwood.

The push-button transmission added a touch of futuristic flair to these cars, making them appear more modern and sophisticated.

The Push-Button Debate: Functionality and Durability

While push-button transmissions were lauded for their convenience and futuristic appeal, they were not without their drawbacks. The technology was complex and prone to malfunctions. The electrical components that controlled the transmission were susceptible to failure, especially in harsh conditions.

For example, dust, moisture, and extreme temperature changes could cause electrical problems, leading to unexpected gear changes or transmission failure.

Furthermore, there were issues with the reliability of the electrical wiring and connectors. These components were often exposed to wear and tear, especially in cars that were driven frequently or in challenging environments.

The push-button transmission also had a reputation for being less durable than conventional lever-operated automatic transmissions. This was partly due to the complex electrical system, but also to the fact that the push-button system was prone to wear and tear.

A Shift in Preference: The Rise of Conventional Automatic Transmissions

As the 1960s progressed, concerns about the reliability and durability of push-button transmissions grew. The simplicity and robustness of conventional automatic transmissions started to be perceived as more desirable, especially as technology advanced and electronic controls became increasingly complex.

Car manufacturers began to shift away from push-button transmissions, and by the late 1970s, these transmissions had largely disappeared from American cars.

A Look Back: The Legacy of the Push-Button Era

The push-button transmission was a fascinating and short-lived innovation. While it offered some advantages in terms of convenience and space-saving, its problems with reliability and durability ultimately led to its demise.

Today, the push-button transmission is a relic of the past, a reminder of the rapid technological evolution of the automotive industry and the constant search for the perfect balance between innovation and practicality.

Despite their brief reign, push-button transmissions left their mark on automotive history. They helped to shape the design of car interiors and influenced the development of future transmission technologies. And, for those who had the pleasure of driving a car equipped with one, the push-button transmission remains a memorable part of their automotive journey.

The Push-Button Transmission: A Timeline

Here is a brief timeline of the push-button transmission, highlighting its key milestones:

| Year | Event |
|—|—|
| 1940s | General Motors experiments with push-button controls for their Hydra-Matic transmissions. |
| 1956 | Chrysler introduces its “Push-Button PowerFlite” transmission, featuring a cluster of buttons on the dashboard. |
| 1957 | Ford introduces its “Fordomatic” push-button transmission. |
| 1960s | Push-button transmissions become increasingly popular in American cars. |
| 1970s | Push-button transmissions begin to decline in popularity due to reliability concerns. |
| 1980s | Push-button transmissions largely disappear from American cars. |

Notable Push-Button Transmission Models

Here is a list of some of the most notable cars that featured push-button transmissions:

Chrysler

* **Plymouth Valiant:** This compact car was one of the first to offer a push-button transmission.
* **Dodge Dart:** This popular mid-size sedan offered the Push-Button PowerFlite in all trim levels.
* **Chrysler Newport:** This full-size car was known for its luxurious interior and its optional push-button PowerFlite transmission.

Ford

* **Ford Fairlane:** The Fairlane was a popular mid-size car that offered the push-button Fordomatic transmission.
* **Ford Galaxie:** This full-size car was known for its powerful engines and its impressive size. It also featured the push-button Fordomatic transmission.

General Motors

* **Chevrolet Impala:** This full-size sedan was offered with the optional “Turbomatic” push-button transmission.
* **Cadillac Fleetwood:** This luxury car was known for its opulent interior and its advanced technologies, including the push-button “Turbomatic” transmission.

A Collector’s Perspective: Why Push-Button Cars are Desirable

For collectors and enthusiasts, push-button cars hold a unique appeal. They represent a fascinating chapter in automotive history and are often seen as a symbol of the technological advancements of the 1960s.

Here are some reasons why push-button cars are desirable for collectors:

* **Uniqueness:** Push-button transmissions were not as common as conventional automatic transmissions, making these cars more unique and collectible.
* **Historical significance:** These cars represent a specific era in automotive history, a time when manufacturers were experimenting with new technologies.
* **Aesthetic appeal:** Push-button transmissions often added a futuristic and stylish element to the car’s interior.

The Push-Button Legacy: A Nod to a Bygone Era

Although the push-button transmission is no longer found in modern vehicles, its legacy lives on. It serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of automotive technology.

The push-button transmission was a sign of the times, a bold attempt to embrace the future. While it ultimately failed to become the norm, it inspired further creativity and innovation in the automotive industry.

Today, we can appreciate the push-button transmission as a fascinating footnote in automotive history, a symbol of a time when innovation and technology were pushing the boundaries of what was possible.