Transport: Fluid Drive

Every 1939 Custom Imperial Chrysler sold last week had as standard equipment a hydraulic clutch which eliminates any mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels. Called fluid drive. Chrysler's innovation removes the necessity for gear shifting and clutching except when a car is pulling heavily or backing up.

A conventional clutch is a cushioned disk (connected to the transmission gears), which takes power from the engine when it is forced against a disk on the face of the engine's spinning flywheel. In fluid drive the flywheel is equipped not with a disk, but...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!