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Just saw a Subaru commercial where they touted their "new" hill holder device. Their new car with the accessory can stop on a hill and the brakes will stay applied until the clutch is released. Could have sworn Studebaker, Packard and several others had that feature back in the 30's and 40's.

I guess it's only fair they are claiming credit for doing something new since Chrysler and others did the same for the lockup torque converter in the 70's.

You are correct about the '30s. I believe Studebaker was the first in the 1936 President.
BTW, My '63 Avanti had the Hill Holder. (NO-Rol)

Hudson also used the NO-ROL device, but Studebaker is best remembered for using that great little piece of engineering.

"Norol" as Packard called it was a $12.00 option on the 1941 cars.

I'm always amazed at how much "what goes around, comes around" in the world of automotive design and engineering!

Shifters back in the floor from the column...pushbutton starters...sequential turn signals (on Mustangs)...

And I can't PROVE this, but the current Chrysler 300s have tail lamps that look VERY much like 21st century renditions of '55 lamps, with just a HINT of a vestigial fin on top...

Electronic Push-Button Transmissions on some 2013 Lincolns

moving grille bars.

I'd be happy if they would concentrate on building a better car. The only thing on the road that interests me is the Nissan Sunny and even that is laden with useless gadgets that have nothing to do with getting somewhere. All of these gadgets are like fifties chrome - useless.

Studebaker used the hillholder avaible on standard transmission cars and the anti creep was used with auto trans it was a electrical operated device. Both hillholder (which is mechanical) and anti-creep ( electrical activated )were offered on 57s as it is in the wiring section under accessory wiring.
Fifties chrome and colors White wall tires and V8 were the parts that made them cars of the 50s cars of the 50s