Early Years (1950-1962):
The Powerglide was initially a cast iron case, but GM switched to aluminum cases in 1962.
It featured a simple design with a torque converter and a planetary first gear, shifting directly into a 1:1 high gear.
The Powerglide was a popular choice for Chevrolet models and also saw use in some Pontiac models, especially those produced for the Canadian market with Chevrolet powertrains.
Corvair Powerglide (1960-1970):
A specialized version of the Powerglide, the Corvair Powerglide, was designed for the rear-mounted powertrain of the 1960 Chevrolet Corvair.
Pontiac used a modified version of the Corvair Powerglide, called 'TempesTorque', in their Tempest, LeMans, and Tempest LeMans cars from 1961 to 1963.
Popularity and Applications:
The Powerglide's simplicity and durability made it a popular choice for both consumers and in motorsport applications.
It became a staple in drag racing and other forms of motorsport, as well as in high-horsepower street cars and other vehicles.
Decline and Replacement (1969-1973):
The Powerglide was eventually replaced by the three-speed TH350, which was introduced in 1969.
The Powerglide remained in production until 1973.
Other Notable Features:
The Powerglide was not GM's first automatic transmission; the four-speed Hydra-Matic was introduced in 1940.
The GM two-speed was also fitted with two different First gear ratios, either 1.76:1 or 1.82:1, with the 1.76:1 ratio reserved for high-performance vehicles and some trucks, making the 1.82:1 version far more common.
The Powerglide was initially a cast iron case, but GM switched to aluminum cases in 1962.
It featured a simple design with a torque converter and a planetary first gear, shifting directly into a 1:1 high gear.
The Powerglide was a popular choice for Chevrolet models and also saw use in some Pontiac models, especially those produced for the Canadian market with Chevrolet powertrains.
Corvair Powerglide (1960-1970):
A specialized version of the Powerglide, the Corvair Powerglide, was designed for the rear-mounted powertrain of the 1960 Chevrolet Corvair.
Pontiac used a modified version of the Corvair Powerglide, called 'TempesTorque', in their Tempest, LeMans, and Tempest LeMans cars from 1961 to 1963.
Popularity and Applications:
The Powerglide's simplicity and durability made it a popular choice for both consumers and in motorsport applications.
It became a staple in drag racing and other forms of motorsport, as well as in high-horsepower street cars and other vehicles.
Decline and Replacement (1969-1973):
The Powerglide was eventually replaced by the three-speed TH350, which was introduced in 1969.
The Powerglide remained in production until 1973.
Other Notable Features:
The Powerglide was not GM's first automatic transmission; the four-speed Hydra-Matic was introduced in 1940.
The GM two-speed was also fitted with two different First gear ratios, either 1.76:1 or 1.82:1, with the 1.76:1 ratio reserved for high-performance vehicles and some trucks, making the 1.82:1 version far more common.