Deciding just when the first automotive transmission was used requires a bit of interpretation. It depends on how you define transmission.

In any interpretation it is evident that the genesis of the automotive transmission is rooted in Germany.

The first four-wheeled, gasoline-powered vehicle was built by Gottleib Daimler in 1885. It had multiple gears, but no gearbox. The gears were external and separate. Torque was transmitted by engaging a belt to drive each selected gear.

Although credited as the first to build an actual four-wheel passenger vehicle, Daimler started out as an inventor and experimenter. His entry into manufacturing and sales came a bit later, around 1888. His early designs were sold or licensed to other companies. Karl Benz actually produced and began selling a three-wheel vehicle just months before Daimler rolled out his four-wheeled passenger vehicle. Daimler's chief engineer, Wilhelm Maybach went to work with Benz and designed the first Mercedes in 1901, shortly after Daimler's death.

In 1889 Daimler incorporated a closed 4-speed gearbox and friction clutch but torque was still transmitted through the use of belt (and later a chain) to the rear wheels.

It was not until 1898 that Renault coupled a solid drive shaft to the "Spinning Gear Transmission."

In 1911 Henry Ford was awarded U.S. Patent #1005186 for the first American automotive transmission (for the Model K and Model T) that was integral to the engine and used an internal multi-disc clutch.

In 1929 Cadillac introduced the "Selective Synchromesh Gear Transmission," 3-speed (3-forward, 1-reverse). This model year Cadillac also introduced electric windshield wipers and safety glass in all windows. The President and general manager of Cadillac that year was Lawrence P. Fisher.

Cadillac's synchromesh design gained no toehold with automotive engineers. The design was not widely duplicated. I find no record of it being used by any but GM.

Various synchromesh designs were produced. Some were failures. One 1932 Packard design relied upon an internal leather belts to slow spinning gears and allow a smooth shift. Many worked well. Most were single-synchromesh, only the 1st-2nd shift was synchromeshed Full-synchromesh was introduced on various (usually top-of-the-line) models 1934 - 1948. One solid design was used in the 1935 Beardmore Mark V London Taxi.

It was not until twenty-two years after Cadillac's introduction of Synchromesh that Porsche incorporated the modern cone-type synchromesh design that is still in use today in their 1951 Porsche 356. Winning Lemans that year secured the car's place in automotive history.

Automotive's first overdrive was used in the 1934 Chrysler Airflow.

Chapter 2

last edit 10-30-2006