Also of note is the automatic transmission used in the Chevy Corvair that was mounted on the rear with the engine. The Corvair had 4 wheel independent suspension. The Pontiac Tempest had used a similar 4 wheel independent suspension design as well from 1961 to 1963. The transmission was also on the rear suspension event though the engine was front mounted.
What was unique about these transmissions was there was no park position. You had to use the foot brake. Also the shift lever was in the dash.
I had a 1962 Pontiac Tempest station wagon with the 4 cyl 195 ci engine. Yes, a 4 cylinder. Exactly half of a 389 Pontiac V8. The car was very underpowered for its size. Especially with the 2 speed automatic transmission that would shift into high gear at 15mph at light throttle. Sometimes I would have to leave it in low range to climb some hills. Mine came with the 1 barrel carburetor. You could actually get it with a 4 barrel. At the time being a teenager, I did see a Tempest with a 4 cyl. 4 barrel manifold in a junk yard, but passed on it as wasn't going to keep the car long. The parts system wasn't computerized like it is now and I had a very difficult time locating parts like shock absorbers. Also you could get a 215 ci aluminum V8 with steel cylinder sleeves that came with a 4 barrel carburetor.
What was unique about these transmissions was there was no park position. You had to use the foot brake. Also the shift lever was in the dash.
I had a 1962 Pontiac Tempest station wagon with the 4 cyl 195 ci engine. Yes, a 4 cylinder. Exactly half of a 389 Pontiac V8. The car was very underpowered for its size. Especially with the 2 speed automatic transmission that would shift into high gear at 15mph at light throttle. Sometimes I would have to leave it in low range to climb some hills. Mine came with the 1 barrel carburetor. You could actually get it with a 4 barrel. At the time being a teenager, I did see a Tempest with a 4 cyl. 4 barrel manifold in a junk yard, but passed on it as wasn't going to keep the car long. The parts system wasn't computerized like it is now and I had a very difficult time locating parts like shock absorbers. Also you could get a 215 ci aluminum V8 with steel cylinder sleeves that came with a 4 barrel carburetor.