Old push button transmission cars

The Enduring Charm of Push-Button Transmissions: A Journey Through Automotive History

The world of automobiles is filled with countless innovations, some that have stood the test of time and others that have faded into obscurity. Among the unique features that have captured the imagination of enthusiasts is the push-button transmission. This seemingly simple yet ingenious system, prevalent in cars from the mid-20th century, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of automotive design and engineering.

While automatic transmissions have become the norm today, push-button transmissions emerged as a captivating alternative, particularly during the golden age of American car culture. In this exploration, we delve into the history, mechanics, advantages, and disadvantages of these intriguing transmissions, uncovering the stories behind their rise and fall, and why they continue to hold a special place in automotive lore.

## A Touch of Futurism: The Birth of Push-Button Transmissions

The concept of push-button transmissions was born out of a desire to simplify the driving experience. Unlike traditional gear levers, which required manual manipulation, push-button systems offered a futuristic and user-friendly approach. The first modern push-button transmission was introduced in 1956 by Chrysler, a revolutionary feature that would soon become a hallmark of American luxury cars.

Chrysler’s “Push-Button Drive” system, featured in the 1956 Chrysler Imperial, employed a series of buttons mounted on the dashboard. The system allowed drivers to select gears with a press of a button, eliminating the need for a traditional gearshift lever. This futuristic innovation captured the public’s imagination, showcasing the potential of electronics in automotive engineering.

## Beyond Chrysler: The Spread of Push-Button Transmissions

Following Chrysler’s lead, other American automakers quickly embraced the concept, integrating push-button transmissions into their own luxury models. General Motors, eager to compete in the technological arms race, introduced its own version of push-button transmissions in its Cadillac, Buick, and Oldsmobile models.

Ford, never one to be outdone, joined the push-button revolution with its “SelectShift” system, designed for its upscale Lincoln and Mercury models. These early push-button systems, though revolutionary, were not without their quirks. They were often prone to malfunctions and required complex wiring, leading to occasional electrical gremlins. Despite these challenges, the allure of push-button transmission remained irresistible, a symbol of advancement and luxury for drivers who desired a more automated and convenient driving experience.

## The Mechanics of Push-Button Transmissions: A Simplified Explanation

While push-button transmissions might seem like a simple concept, the inner workings involved a sophisticated interplay of mechanical and electrical components. The core of the system resided in a hydraulically controlled gearbox, similar to a conventional automatic transmission. The difference lay in the control mechanism. Rather than a traditional gearshift lever, the transmission relied on strategically placed solenoids and actuators, controlled by the push-button system on the dashboard.

Each button was connected to a specific solenoid, which, upon activation, controlled the flow of hydraulic fluid to the transmission. This fluid pressure, in turn, engaged or disengaged clutches and planetary gear sets, shifting the transmission through the various gears. The push-button system effectively acted as a remote control for the hydraulically operated gearbox, simplifying gear selection and offering a more intuitive driving experience.

## Advantages of Push-Button Transmissions: More Than Just Convenience

Push-button transmissions offered a number of compelling advantages over their traditional counterparts:

* **Convenience and Ease of Use:** The most obvious advantage was the ease of use. Drivers could select gears with a simple press of a button, eliminating the need for manual gearshifting. This was particularly beneficial for drivers who found traditional gear levers cumbersome or challenging to operate.

* **A Touch of Futurism:** The push-button system added a touch of futuristic flair to the car’s interior, appealing to consumers who sought a sense of advancement and luxury. The dashboard-mounted buttons, adorned with illuminated indicators, created a modern and sophisticated feel.

* **Space Savings:** Eliminating the traditional floor-mounted gear lever freed up valuable space in the car’s interior. This additional space could be used for storage compartments or a more spacious center console, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

* **Enhanced Safety:** In some cases, push-button transmissions were thought to enhance safety. By eliminating the need for drivers to reach down to shift gears, push-button systems allowed them to keep their hands on the steering wheel, promoting alertness and improving control during critical situations.

## The Limitations of Push-Button Transmissions: Challenges and Drawbacks

Despite their allure, push-button transmissions also faced certain limitations and drawbacks:

* **Complexity and Reliability:** The intricate electrical wiring and solenoids associated with push-button systems often proved to be unreliable. Electrical glitches, faulty solenoids, and wiring issues could lead to transmission malfunctions, leaving drivers stranded or experiencing erratic shifting patterns.

* **Cost and Maintenance:** The added complexity of push-button transmissions often resulted in higher manufacturing costs and increased maintenance expenses. Repairs involving electrical components and the hydraulic system could be more complex and costly than conventional automatic transmissions.

* **Limited Popularity:** Despite their initial appeal, push-button transmissions never gained widespread acceptance among car buyers. Many drivers found the system unfamiliar and intimidating, preferring the more intuitive and reliable traditional gear levers.

* **Aesthetics and Ergonomics:** Some drivers found the placement of push-button controls on the dashboard less intuitive and ergonomic than traditional gearshift levers. The placement of buttons, the size and layout of the controls, and the lack of tactile feedback could lead to confusion and awkwardness during gear selection.

## The Decline and Demise of Push-Button Transmissions

The popularity of push-button transmissions began to wane in the 1970s and 1980s. Several factors contributed to their decline:

* **Advancements in Electronics:** The development of more sophisticated and reliable electronic control systems for automatic transmissions led to the gradual phasing out of complex and prone-to-malfunction push-button systems.

* **Shifting Consumer Preferences:** The novelty of push-button transmissions faded, and drivers increasingly preferred the familiar and reliable feel of traditional gear levers. The push-button system often felt less intuitive and more prone to errors, prompting drivers to opt for simpler and more predictable alternatives.

* **Focus on Efficiency and Reliability:** As fuel economy became a major concern for consumers, automakers shifted their focus to developing more efficient and reliable transmissions. Push-button systems, with their added complexity and potential for malfunctions, were perceived as less economical and reliable than conventional automatic transmissions.

## The Legacy of Push-Button Transmissions: A Lasting Impression

Despite their decline, push-button transmissions left a lasting impression on automotive history. They represented a significant step forward in automotive technology, showcasing the potential of electronics in vehicle control. While not widely adopted, they helped pave the way for more sophisticated and user-friendly transmissions that we see today.

Push-button transmissions also retain a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. Their unique design, their association with classic luxury cars, and their undeniable “futuristic” appeal make them a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era of automotive innovation and creativity.

## Exploring the Notable Push-Button Transmission Cars: A Journey Through Time

The history of push-button transmissions is intertwined with some of the most iconic and beloved cars of the mid-20th century. Here are some notable examples:

1956 Chrysler Imperial: The Pioneer

The Chrysler Imperial model year 1956 marked the beginning of the push-button transmission era. Chrysler, with its “Push-Button Drive” system, took the automotive world by storm. This innovation, displayed prominently on the dashboard, became a symbol of luxury and advancement.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham: A Symbol of Opulence

The 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, a pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, became one of the most iconic vehicles to adopt the push-button transmission. The car’s sleek design, opulent interior, and the unique push-button system combined to create an experience that defined the American dream.

1959 Ford Thunderbird: The Sporty Push-Button

The 1959 Ford Thunderbird, a stylish and sporty coupe, joined the push-button transmission club. The “SelectShift” system, despite its limitations, added a technological edge to the Thunderbird’s charismatic personality.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette: The Sports Car Push-Button

The Chevrolet Corvette, a performance icon, briefly experimented with a push-button transmission in the 1966 model year. While not as widely adopted as in other models, this experiment highlighted the potential of push-button transmissions even in high-performance vehicles.

### 1970s Lincoln Continental: The Push-Button’s Last Stand

The Lincoln Continental, a symbol of luxury and presidential transport, continued to feature push-button transmissions throughout the 1970s. However, the writing was on the wall, as the system’s reliability issues and the rise of more advanced electronics led to its gradual phase-out.

## The Push