Citroen Dyane,with centrifugal clutch.

[W124Bob]

My third car back in '81 was one, of these a pale blue '73 model with mesh grill.I still have the owners manual and was reminded of the centrifugal clutch system and wondered if anyone had experience of these or other odd gearbox cars.

[fourwheelsteer]

I've heard of those but didn't realise they were made that late. I've seen it on a 1950s 2CV where it was called Traffic Clutch or something like that.

Oddest gearbox I've driven was probably the two-speed epicyclic fitted to the Ford Model T. Low, neutral and high on one pedal, reverse on another.

Moss gearboxes in old Jaguars can be interesting too. Very narrow gate, easy to get reverse when you wanted first. No synchro on first or second. Doesn't like to be hurried. But the challenge is part of the fun, you feel like you've achieved something when you get it right.

[rswift]

I have a 2cv with a trafficlutch, it's a 1960 model.

In theory as the revs drop below a certain amount, can't remember what but say 850 rpm, the centrifugal clutch disengages, so you can leave the car in gear, and not have to push the clutch pedal. As you accelerate, the revs rise, the clutch engages and off you go.

In practice the idle speed is critical, and a 50 year old Solex carb is not the most accurate or consistent method to achieve this.

When working it is excellent, and would be great in a modern manual car.

[W124Bob]

rswift would your car have the petrol tank dipstick? This '62 car has http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C351359

[Compo_Simmonite]

I had a 1976 Saab 95 with freewheel gearbox that allowed clutchless downchanges.

Paul H

[fourwheelsteer]

Compo_Simmonite said:

I had a 1976 Saab 95 with freewheel gearbox that allowed clutchless downchanges.

Paul H

Surely all gearchanges can be clutchless with a freewheel in the drive line?

[roscobbc]

fourwheelsteer said:

Surely all gearchanges can be clutchless with a freewheel in the drive line?

It was great on a Mark 2 Zephyr with overdrive and freewheel - bench seat - 'bird' - three on the tree column change left one hand free for steering and the other for wrapping round the 'bird'

[roscobbc]

What about pre-selector gearboxes like Armstrong Siddley ?

[mikey77]

Yes they can. I had a Wartburg 353 Knight with a freewheel - I thought it was brilliant.
Mind you, the Hillman Imps I had never needed a clutch to change up, or down usually, once on the move.

[jith]

roscobbc said:

fourwheelsteer said:

Surely all gearchanges can be clutchless with a freewheel in the drive line?

It was great on a Mark 2 Zephyr with overdrive and freewheel - bench seat - 'bird' - three on the tree column change left one hand free for steering and the other for wrapping round the 'bird'

Dear me when you think about that you realise just how much things have changed.

Can you imagine trying that now in a new 7 series BMW in front of the BIB with your mobile phone tucked under your chin for extra effect!

J

[rswift]

W124Bob said:

rswift would your car have the petrol tank dipstick? This '62 car has http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C351359

Yes, it has what appears to be a stiff leather belt ! works a treat