SELF-CHANGING GEARS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 13

SELF-CHANGING GEARS

Two of the most famous cars in the world have adopted the new selfchanging gearbox which was recently introduced by an English firm. It is claimed that this new device, which is controlled by a small lever on the steering-gear, will revolutionise car control. Cars with this new system are expected to be on the New Zealand market shortly. It is almost uncanny to sit behind the wheel and drive one of these cars with the new controls. Gone is the gear lever and the system. of double de-clutching. A short lever mounted above the steering wheel can be moved into notches in a dial marked “First,” “Second,” “Third,” “High” and “Reverse.” This movement preselects the wanted gear, but the actual change is delayed until 'the clutch pedal is operated. By this means a higher or lower gear than that in use can be preselected before it is needed, the simple depression and release of the clutch allowing the change to be made, silently, swiftly, safely and at the exact moment without the driver’s hands leaving the steering wheel or his eye the road. The "pre-selecting gear change is much simpler than the levelmethod. It is impossible to miss or muddle the gear. It is claimed to he safer, because changes of gear can he made instantly. The driver can use the gear as a brake down-hill and lie cannot miss the gear when changing down going up a hill. One of the most astounding features about this new gearbox is the fact that from any of the forward gears the driver can change straight into reverse silently and effectively and without damaging the car in any way. %