By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Gear stick design is one of those often overlooked accessories in cars today (manual ones anyway!) but there’s been some amazing examples over the years.
Going back 120 years, the first gear levers were fitted on the driver’s right along with the handbrake stick. Often positioned outside, by the driver’s door.
By the 1920s, as car interiors were getting bigger gear sticks moved inside.
Fast forward to the 60s and 70s and clever car makers would maximise the look of these interior components.
In terms of inspired design ‘cool’ here is my top five. Have I missed one you remember? Let us know.
VW Golf GTI
Hats off to Volkswagen who added a dimpled ‘golf ball’ gear knob to the Mk1 Golf GTI in the mid 70s. The round shape seemed to make the change of gear smoother. Four years later, the Golf gear stick face gained an extra digit when the GTI introduced five-speed transmission in 1979.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Okay, this Mercedes – launched in 2003 – is automatic and substituting the gear knob is a shift lever that flips up to reveal the engine start button, connected to a five-speed AMG transmission. Very James Bond!
Honda S2000
The spherical metallic gear knob in the popular S2000 nicely fitted into its driver’s grip and featured a six-speed shift pattern engraved into its tactile surface.
Ferrari – selected models
Ferraris classic open-gated manual gear change in front of the centre console was inspired. A polished metal ball on top of the gear stick adds to the stylish look.
Found in models including the Ferrari 308, 328, F355 and 360 Modena, every gear change gave a ‘click-clack’ sound as the gear lever moved into place.
Jaguar
If you are looking for British classic design, Jaguar’s polished rounded wooden gear knob oozed luxury motoring.
The gear knob found in models like the E-Type, XJ6 and XJS models complemented the sweeping interior wood veneer and upholstery finish.
These interior components might seem less obtrusive than other dashboard features but when it comes to classic cars the smallest things can leave the biggest impression!