Re: Weren't column-shifts initially unreliable?

Posted by Tim Cole On 2015/10/6 16:31:45

The Packard units were inferior to Cadillac. The Packard setup was a converted floor shift transmission whereas General Motors designed the side loader trans specifically for a column shift. The old Chevys, Fords, and Chryslers were great, although they could lock up if you didn't know how to drive. The Nash/Rambler column shift was junk.

Peugeot, Citroen, and Saab used column shifts that were trouble free. This is especially surprising given their other shortcomings; except for the Peugeot 404 which was one of the twenty or so best cars ever made. Renault used a column shift on the R-16. I miss the column shift, however they were never intended for speed shifting.