Page N-3 — Automatic Transmissions

Automatic – Column Shift. Optional at extra cost on all Firebirds (except Firebird 400), and on Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans and Tempest safari. Noted for its excellent performance and efficiency of operation, the automatic transmission has a high ratio for rapid acceleration from a standing start and shifts smoothly and automatically into direct drive for improved economy at highway speeds. When quick passing is desired, the transmission can be promptly downshifted by fully depressing the accelerator pedal. And, while descending steep grades, the transmission can be manually downshifted by moving the selector lever to “Low” range for engine braking power.

Automatic – Floor Shift. Optional at extra cost on all Firebirds (except Firebird 400), and on Le Mans Sports Coupe, Hardtop Coupe and Convertible when Strato-bucket seats are specified. Extra-cost console is required. (See pages N-1 and S-2 for transmission and console application.)

Transmission Quadrant. The automatic transmission quadrant contains five positions: P (Park) – for starting the engine and for

parking the car with engine running or off. The parking brake does not have to be applied with the shift lever in this position if the car is parked in a level area. R (Reverse) – for backing the car. N (Neutral) – for starting the engine or towing the car under emergency conditions. D (Drive) – for all normal driving conditions. In this position, the transmission can be downshifted at lower driving speeds. L (Low) – for controlled low-gear operation while climbing or descending steep grades.