The original "flat pan" Hydramatic introduced in 1939, and then later the "slant pan" Hydramatics in the 50's were a four speed automatic trans that did not have a torque converter . Rather they used a "one-to-one" fluid coupling . Since there was no torque "multiplication", they had gear ratios like a manual trans. And they were tough as nails ! Which is why they were used in army tanks in WW2 and then became popular for drag racing in the '60s
This picture has pretty much everything a young guy needs in life. A 27 Ford Model T hot rod,a hot chick,hamburgers,ice cream and COLD BEER!!!