High dramatics on (Turbo) Hydra-Matics
Hey, 48bencix, a little clarification on the Turbo Hydra-Matic:
Hydra-Matic debuted in 1940 as an option on Oldsmobiles, and appeared as an option on Cadillacs the following year. Pontiacs offered Hydra-Matics in 1948...
In 1952, the "Dual Range" Hydra-Matic debuted; by 1956, an improved "JetAway" Hydra-Matic was introduced on Oldsmobiles; a "Strato-Flight" Hydra-Matic was launched for Pontiac in 1957; Cadillac changed to the newer transmission also, but they didn't have a fancy name for that one!
By 1961, there were two Hydra-Matics: A "Super" Hydra-Matic (the four-speed version) used in Pontiac Star Chiefs and Bonnevilles, Olds Super 88s and 98s and Cadillacs, and a three-speed "Roto" Hydra-Matic used in Pontiac Catalinas, Venturas, Grand Prixs, and Olds Dynamic 88's.
The Turbo Hydra-Matic debuted in 1964 on Cadillac models (except the 75 sedan and limousines, which used a 1959 chassis and the 1959 Hydra-Matic). In 1965, the transmission debuted on Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Buicks (as "Super Turbine 400.") It debuted as an option on the 1965 Chevy Caprice 4-door hardtop with the Turbo-Jet 396 V8s; in 1966, it was optional with the 396 on Corvettes, Chevelles and Chevrolets. It became optional with all engines by the 1969 model year. Powerglide, believe it or not, continued through 1972!