1956 Chrysler Push Button Powerflite Transmission

[robert3302]

It was a manual linkage, no electronics, and was very reliable. The linkage was not strong enough to engage Park, so it was a separate lever. The Packard Ultramatic had electric pushbuttons with electric relay and solenoids which shorted frequently, and a Park gear which jammed on hills. Technology has improved enough to bring back pushbutton shift, if there was demand for it.

[BuzzLOLOL]

.. No Park button... I think they added a Park lever next to the pushbuttons later... also, this was just a 2 speed tranny like Chevy's powerglide... in '57 came the 3-speed pushbutton TorqueFlites with R N D 2 Low...

[Handiman544]

My Mom owned a 1957 Dodge with push button drive. The transmission was fine, the brakes were the pitts. They could never get them to stop pulling to the left when applied. Chrysler cars became very "tinny" in the late 50s. I guess they tried to lighten them up a bit.

[Ronsky89]

too bad this isnt widely used today. heck, even today, it would still seem very futuristic

[GunsOfThePhoenix]

A lot of trucks and buses with auto transmissions have them to save space.

[GenericGene]

Superb classic post guys - not the fins -