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hydra-matic Archive
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![The 1964 model year was the last hurrah of the entry-level Cadillac Series 62, and the final year for the ’50s-vintage Controlled Coupling Hydra-Matic, an unusual four-speed automatic transmission with […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1964-Cadillac-Series-62-2HT-Turino-Turquoise-Orlando-Classic-Cars-front-3q-w-coupling-inset.webp?resize=115%2C115&quality=70&ssl=1 "1964 Cadillac Series 62 – Last Year Of A Very Unusual GM Hydra-Matic Transmission With TWO Fluid Couplings")
1964 Cadillac Series 62 – Last Year Of A Very Unusual GM Hydra-Matic Transmission With TWO Fluid Couplings
Posted on August 19, 2025 | 15 CommentsThe 1964 model year was the last hurrah of the entry-level Cadillac Series 62, and the final year for the ’50s-vintage Controlled Coupling Hydra-Matic, an unusual four-speed automatic transmission with […] -
![Between the development of Synchro-Mesh (launched for 1929) and Hydra-Matic (launched for 1940), General Motors also developed a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, sometimes called the Automatic Safety Transmission, which was available […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1938-Buick-Model-40C-Phaeton-Titian-Maroon-Patrick-Emzen-RM-Auctions-front-3q-left.webp?resize=115%2C115&quality=70&ssl=1 "Almost Automatic: SIA Drives A 1938 Buick With The Weird Semi-Automatic Ancestor of Hydra-Matic")
Almost Automatic: SIA Drives A 1938 Buick With The Weird Semi-Automatic Ancestor of Hydra-Matic
Posted on August 2, 2025 | 19 CommentsBetween the development of Synchro-Mesh (launched for 1929) and Hydra-Matic (launched for 1940), General Motors also developed a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, sometimes called the Automatic Safety Transmission, which was available […] -
![Have you ever wondered why modern automatic transmissions all have shift patterns beginning “PRND”? It wasn’t always so — if you’ve driven older cars, you may have noticed that they […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2013-Toyota-Corolla-LE-automatic-shifter.webp?resize=115%2C115&quality=70&ssl=1 "From NDLR To PRNDL – How One Inventor’s Grudge Against GM Helped To Standardize Transmission Shift Patterns")
From NDLR To PRNDL – How One Inventor’s Grudge Against GM Helped To Standardize Transmission Shift Patterns
Posted on July 6, 2025 | 51 CommentsHave you ever wondered why modern automatic transmissions all have shift patterns beginning “PRND”? It wasn’t always so — if you’ve driven older cars, you may have noticed that they […] -
![Although Hydra-Matic Drive was developed and manufactured by General Motors, GM’s Detroit Transmission Division also sold Hydra-Matic transmissions to outside automakers, including most of the U.S. independents and even […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1940-Oldsmobile-Series-90-blue-Barrett-Jackson-front-3q-left.webp?resize=115%2C115&quality=70&ssl=1 "Early Hydra-Matic Users: Many Non-GM Automakers Bought This Pioneering Automatic Transmission")
Early Hydra-Matic Users: Many Non-GM Automakers Bought This Pioneering Automatic Transmission
Posted on June 22, 2025 | 17 CommentsAlthough Hydra-Matic Drive was developed and manufactured by General Motors, GM’s Detroit Transmission Division also sold Hydra-Matic transmissions to outside automakers, including most of the U.S. independents and even […] -
![(first posted 10/28/2011) “Honey, does this make my rear end look too big?” This is a question that, when asked by his sweetheart, strikes fear into the heart of every male. The problem is that […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1962PontiacStarChief01-crop1.jpg?resize=115%2C115&quality=75&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1962 Pontiac Star Chief – Does This Color Make My Butt Look Big?")
Curbside Classic: 1962 Pontiac Star Chief – Does This Color Make My Butt Look Big?
Posted on May 14, 2015 | 74 Comments(first posted 10/28/2011) “Honey, does this make my rear end look too big?” This is a question that, when asked by his sweetheart, strikes fear into the heart of every male. The problem is that […]
