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Curbside Classics Archives
hydra-matic Archive
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![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 […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2013-Toyota-Corolla-LE-automatic-shifter.webp?resize=115%2C115&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 | 50 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 […] -
![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&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 | 16 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&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 […]
