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The Edsel article says that Edsel was the first and only Ford division to have a pushbutton transmission. The 1957 Mercury had a pushbutton system also. It was mechanical like Chrysler's not electrically actuated. As evidence: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-Monarch-Mercury-Turnpike-Cruiser_W0QQitemZ220008068802QQihZ012QQcategoryZ6882QQcmdZViewItem Randy Berger
The Article states Chrysler Corporation originated the push-button transmission controls, and was the only company to offer it in 1956. Packard introduced an electro-mechanically-shifted transmission called the Touchbutton Ultramatic in 1956, and it was very similar to Edsel's, having the selector buttons located on a pod hung off the right side of the steering column.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ultramaticpushbutton.jpg
The Article also mentions that wiring inside the steering column twisted and frayed causing reliability problems. In reality, the wiring inside the steering column did not move and was extremely reliable, since the pod containing the buttons did not turn with the wheel. The electronic control current flowed through a set of slip rings and brush contacts, while the steering wheel motion was transmitted through a set of planetary gears to the steering gear input shaft. Reliability problems were primarily related to the servo motor due to its hot, wet and dirty operating environment between the bell housing and the exhaust pipe just above the road surface, and the associated relays, switches, wiring and connectors. Verification: International Edsel Club technical publication No. 2, "Master Parts Illustrations including a special section on Teletouch transmission controls", a Ford Motor Company authorized reproduction of original material dated 1960. http://www.internationaledsel.com
Jere Gauss
There was another car which had buttons for shifting the automatic transmission on the dashboard. I want to say it was a Mercury, but I could be very wrong in that. I do know it existed because I drove one. Early 60s, perhaps very late 50s. If I come across it I'll return with the info.-- glenn hefley — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ghefley (talk • contribs) 12:30, 26 February 2015 (UTC)
Here it is. Dodge, 1957 Dodge Torqueflite Pushbutton and the 56 as well. [1] is the link for the commercial. A picture of the Rambler dash I remember is here [2] which if that is correct puts push buttons into the mid-60s. This page has a section near the bottom which discusses the push buttons. [3]
Apologies for not being able to create the new page or add in the information. I hope this helps. Glenn Hefley 12:42, 26 February 2015 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ghefley (talk • contribs)
