In 1832, W. H. James invented a ‘cave-man’ three-speed standard transmission. Panhard and Levassor are credited with the invention of the modern transmission – installed in their 1895 Panhard. On April 28, 1908, Leonard Dyer obtained one of the earliest patents for an automobile transmission.
These first vehicles set many modern standards, but each was a unique design. They used a clutch pedal to operate a chain-driven gearbox. The vehicle also featured a front-mounted radiator. A 1895 Panhard is credited with the first modern transmission.
The company’s Systeme Panhard consisted of four wheels, a front-mounted engine with rear wheel drive, and a sliding-gear transmission. This was to become the standard layout for automobiles for most of the next century.
Panhard-Levassor1895.
Science Museum/Science and Society Picture Library
Although this is really an article on the first produced transmission and not really a history, it is not a transmission you are likely to come across. It shows how long ago auto designers have toiled with a way to transmit engine power to the drive wheels. A case where the basic theory of design has not changed in over 100 years. Certainly, modern technology has refined the manual transmission into a precision, smoother shifting modern day transmission with 7 forward speeds or more. But the basic paradigm has not been changed.
In reality the concept of a front engine with a transmission bolted to it, and a driveshaft that transmists the power to the drive wheels, rear wheels in this case, has stood the test of time, as the system is still widely used today.
Not to say that something this old and special can’t be rebuilt. Though it would probably go to a specialist in antique transmissions. In the world most of us live in, meaning the current modern cars we drive, most of the transmissions for sale are much more modern and easier to replace. Having said that, rely on a company that has kept current on the best replacement transmissions for sale. Should you be in the market, call GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182.
