For the majority of classic car enthusiasts one of the principal attractions of owning a classic from the Fifties and Sixties was its manual gearbox.
The reason being those manual transmissions, rely on the driver's skill – in particular to select which gear they should be in during any driving situation. Those who particularly enjoyed the thrill of the double de-clutch and rapid change up were the owners and driver of smaller cars and especially sports tourers, who were always more comfortable driving cars with manual gearboxes, as it made for a “ hands on” driving experience.
Owners of larger saloon cars generally found the experience a little less pleasurable but were denied the option of an automatic as they were very expensive in those days, affordable only by owners of luxury saloon cars.
This situation continued well into the 21st century when automatic gearboxes gradually began to corner the market being less problematic and expensive. This development opened the door for classic car restorers to fit an automatic gearbox - easier to drive but a break from authenticity.
Those who restored a classic to recapture the thrills of the gear change still retained that option.
Listen for any unusual noises when shifting gears or while driving. Any grinding or crunching noises can indicate a problem with the gearbox.
Ensure that the gearbox shifts smoothly between gears. Any difficulty in shifting, such as sticking or jerking, can indicate a problem with the gearbox.: Check that the clutch is engaging and disengaging correctly. Any difficulty in engaging or disengaging the clutch can indicate a problem with the gearbox.
Check the gearbox oil level regularly and top up if necessary. Low or dirty gearbox oil can cause problems with the gearbox.
: Inspect the gearbox mounts for any signs of wear or damage. Damaged mounts can cause the gearbox to vibrate or move excessively.
Inspect the gearbox for any signs of leaks, such as oil or fluid. Leaks can indicate a problem with the gearbox or related components.
The transmission fluid level should be checked regularly to ensure that it is at the proper level. Low transmission fluid can cause problems with shifting and overheating.
The transmission fluid should be changed according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, or more frequently if you are driving the car hard or in extreme conditions.
It's important to use the correct type of transmission fluid for your classic car. Refer to the owner's manual or ask a mechanic for the recommended type of fluid.
By following these tips and regularly maintaining a classic car's manual transmission,it will ensure that it stays in good working condition.
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