First CVT in a car

[expat]

I did not want to hijack the other CVT tread, but it seems that some people do not understand how a CVT works.
The first CVT in a car application was designed by the Dutch company Daf in the mid 50's
it was an ingenious design (for small cars) and quite simple.
With twin drive belts, there was not only redundancy (in case a belt should break) but also the need for a differential was negated as each drive axle could work independently and a a different speed to it's partner.

It can be seen in operation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFndpKhbPlA

But it did have some strange quirks.

Gear ratios were determined partially by engine vacuum. A large throttle opening = reduced amount of manifold vacuum, would cause the drive pulleys to force the drive bands into a Lower gear. This meant that maximum speed would NOT be obtained at maximum throttle. Backing off on the throttle (slightly) at speed would allow the car to go faster.

The car could also go just about as fast Backwards as going Forwards.

This made the Daf ONE OF THE FASTEST CARS IN THE WORLD!
Going backwards.

 

[simple_gifts]

Subaru Justy also had one IIRC

 

[sicko]

Cool video.

 

[buster]

Nice video, thanks for sharing and good post!

 

[expat]

Daf also used motor sports to promote their products

Here is their f3 race car and Goodwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No4p2l9Fhlg

But they had better luck at Rallying and Motorcross,
in fact there was even a Ford BDA powered 4WD Daf with a Variomatic transmission front and Rear working independently.

There was a project in the 70's, in the Daf military vehicles division, to develop metal clad belts that would handle 200+ hp