Automatic Transmission For Holdens

Press, Volume C, Issue 29535, 9 June 1961, Page 11

Automatic Transmission For Holdens

L'OLLOWING the trend "*■ already set by similar models of its size and power. Australia's big . selling Holden is available for the first time this year with automatic transmission as an optional extra. The system used for the automatic transmission is the three-speed “hydra-matic" developed in the United States for the Oldsmobile compact and also used in the Vauxhall range. The 1961 “E.K.” Holden is now available in New Zealand with overseas funds. Significant This year has already been a significant one for the more widespread acceptance of automatic transmissions. Once only the vogue in highpowered American models, the automatic transmission has now found its way into all classes of cars. Even though many drivers still prefer to have complete control of the gears of their cars, a very large number are equally in favour of the substantial driving pleasure which an automatic transmission can confer. Sales have been such that the major manufacturers eannot afford to disregard the growing demand. Cars such as the Holden, which develops 75 brake horse-power, have been generally considered not sufficiently powerful to support an automatic transmission successfully. But the new “hydra-matic” was specifically designed for this type of car, having the vir-

tues of low weight and small size. It has been made more suitable for smaller cars by the elimination of the torque converter on top and second gears. Simple The new automatic transmission offered on the Holden is simple to operate. "Drive" can be selected and all gear changing left to the transmission itself, or the driver may exercise an over-riding control to hold the car in second or low gear in special circumstances. Safety devices prevent over-rewing and the selection of reverse unintentionally. The question of whether the increased cost of the auto-

matic transmission model is warranted depends in each case on whether its virtues appeal personally to the purchaser. It has the disadvantage of c.-jesing increased fuel consumption, and generally speaking an automatic model not as lively as the conven-tional-drive car. However, the big advantage of automatic drive is its convenience —in town it eliminates constant gear - changing and allows the driver to give his full attention to the road ahead. The standard model Holden costs £1157, and the automatic transmission car is £l3O dearer. An automatic model will be on display in the showrooms of a city distributor tins week.