When did GM start offering 4 speeds?

When did GM start offering 4 speeds instead of 3 speeds in passenger cars? I'm looking for a early '60s time frame for my next project, and trying to be period correct (why do we do that to ourselves?)
Got the 283, the station wagon 9" and some Nova stuff, just wasn't sure on the 4 speed.
Cheers,
Stewart.

 

You could buy a new Corvette in 58 with a 4 speed. When I was a kid, my neighbor had a 1959 348 tri power 4 speed Impala.
Hope that helps

 

The T10 was offered in the 57 Vette... I think this was the first..

 

I had a '58 348 and factory T10 from a '58 Chevy in tact, in my hot rod.

 

Perfect. Thanks guys, and so fast too!!!!
Cheers,
Stewart.

 

I remember reading somewhere that the 4 speed was "technically" available in '57, but it was a special order... Police special, or part of the factory "black widdow" program.

Any truth to that? Or am I crazy?

 

I heard from an old time GM Mechanic that some 57 Chevys were shipped with a 3 speed installed but a 4 speed in a crate in the trunk for the dealer to install.. Dunno if its B.S. or not...

 

I'v heard that as well... I also remembere reading the T-10 was a $250 tranny, and the '57 was an $1,800 car... Talk about an expensive option!!!

 

That's the same reason I've only seen two '55s with factory A/C in my life; that was a $565.00 option! Percentagewise, that would be like having to pay an additional $6-7K for it today. I've read varying accounts of the '57 factory four speed passenger car theory, and one article stated that there were around 200 such equipped vehicles. I don't think that they kept as strict track of such things then, but then they also had no idea that, 50-60 years after the fact, anyone would have any reason to give a shit. They were definitely available in '57 Corvettes, but still very rare. My ex-brother in law had a '57 283hp 'vette, and even it was a close ratio three speed from the factory.

 

I'm a little skeptical here..

I'm not sure GM offered a performance 4-speed (manual) in anything except a Vette before 61. Think the 61 was the first full-size. Now before I take a bunch of "S" for this, and I might very well be off but, If you think it is earlier then prove it before we spread a bunch of hash. IE. A copy of a sales brochure. Stats from a web site and a link. Don't include 1-off stuff and special order Blackwidow deals. They weren't for the public..
I'll be looking on the web also and will update if I find something.

 

this is saying the offered the 4 speed in the 409 59 Impala.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1958-1965-chevrolet-impala2.htm

 

I'm told that 1958 was the first offering of 4 speeds in any G.M. pass. car line.
In 1957 you could buy the box over the parts counter then you installed it yourself.

 

Couldn't get a 409 in a 59. 348 yes, but 409 wasn't around for another 2 years.

I drove a 283 factory 4 gear vette once. Numbers matching all correct. It was a later build if I remember right.

 

Rich kid got a 335 hp 4 speed 58 Chevy for his junior year in high school. He was showing off that the first gear was synchronized. He was going about a hundred and just shoved it into first. He did not intend to let the clutch out. Good thing. The disk exploded.The 4 speed was normal option in 58. In 57 they came in the trunk in pass cars. A frend worked at the dealer and installed them.

 

Your right... I didnt mean to type 409.. 4 speed 348 car in 59.. Sorry..

Heres another link..

http://www.348-409.com/general.html

 

The Vette in 57- others in 58.
Wanna start a war? Go to a tri-five board that leans towards the stock number's matching & say you bought a tri-five 57 w/ a factory 4 speed- and then duck! Many don't consider the 4 speed in a 57 a factory piece. It's considered by many to be a dealer installed option.

 

1958 Was the first year for a 4 speed in a full size car. You could get a 4 speed in a vette in 57

 

Guys, guys, guys! I'm not restoring anything, I want to build a Hot Rod. I'm trying to recreate a late '50s/early '60s time frame build. This doesn't need to get into a pissin match.
My question has been answered close enough for me. Late '50s.
Thank you to all the restorers.
Cheers,
Stewart.

 

The T 10 in my old RPU came from a '58 Impala that had been wrapped around a tree.

 

I don't think anyone's pissin'. Just talking.
A Borg Warner T10 would be period perfect IMO.

 

Your right, I just didn't want to waste band width once I got my question answered.
Cheers,
Stewart.
P.S. I've got a T10, so I now know its the right era.

 

My dad had a '59 Impala Convertible with a 283 Fuelie and a factory 4 on the floor.
After that he got a '64 Impala 409-4 speed.

Now all he drives is a motorhome. :|

 

The T-10 that was in my 40 had a Chevy bow tie cast into the tail shaft along with what looked like a part number. I've always wanted to check and see what it was out of ??!!!

 

I know a VERY reputable famous old drag racer whose father was deep connected with GM- he got him a very late production '56 Bel Air Hardtop with a '57 Corvette Dual Quad Engine and 4-speed trans- from the factory. It would be worth a small fortune if it survived today with documentation intact.

 

1957 was the first year, , but spc,ord then 58 was reg op..

 

My brother once had an original 37 chevy pick-up, with a 4-speed.
Lars

 

All of the chatter is great but I'd like to see a copy of a brochure, or copies of special order documents or web addresses of reputable info. The closest I've seen is the guy with the 59 - 4-speed info.

And I'm not sure of that source.
"Just the facts Maam."

 

Ask your friend if these things came with a shifter and how was it installed.

 

Did he buy the '59 car new?
What was the make of the tranmission?

 

Three speeds with a "granny low" first gear were the first originals I know of. My uncles '56 Ford F-100 had one. Don't know why they called them three speeds when it had four forward gears...