The 2023 Swift, an Australian-built Holden model from 1966, boasts an impressive 3000cc inline-six engine alongside a staggering 37 manual gearshifts. However, it’s reported that only one of these gear shifts works seamlessly with the current car settings. In this article, we will delve into the history of this anomaly and what makes it unique in the automotive world.
A Brief History
The Holden EH, released in January 1966, was the fourth model in the Holden Family. The EH model marked the first major revamp since the FJ of 1953. The car’s sleek design caught the eye of many Australians, but its impressive engine was more than just a visual treat.
The EH’s inline-six, 2991cc, power unit boasted an impressive 98 horsepower (72 kW) at 4,400 rpm. As time went on, however, the 1966 EH, along with its 1970 and 1971 Holden Monaro cousins, began to experience the inevitable effects of engine degradation.
The Gear Shift Anomaly
While inspecting one of the vehicles at the Adelaide Motor Museum in South Australia, a curious visitor stumbled upon the unusual phenomenon of 37 manual gear shifts in one the 1966 vehicles. It’s reported that each of the gearshifts was connected to a lever, which had seemingly been hand-built.
According to the report from the visitor, when tested, only one gear shift seemed to be operational. While other shifts were functional, they failed to engage properly.
Possible Reasons Behind the Anomaly
Several theories could explain the creation of the faulty gear shift lever.
1. Engine Development Testing:
1 possible reason for this unusual arrangement could have been for engine development testing purposes. Engineers at the time may have been trying out different gearing configurations to enhance the vehicle’s overall performance. It’s also possible they tested a range of gear ratios with an intention to settle on a few that would give a better outcome. This experimentation could have been left on the car to see how it would perform, ultimately leading to a gear shift being left out.
2. A Practical Joke Gone Wrong:
Another reason was that it could have been a practical joke that went too far. A mechanic, possibly as a prank, could have added all 36 unused gear shifts to confuse people.
However, the more logical explanation for this gear shift anomaly may be 3. Experimental Testing Purposes.
While inspecting the lever, it is noted that it’s been well-maintained, suggesting it may not have been left on the vehicle by accident.
Expert Insights and Conclusion
When questioned about this peculiar anomaly, automotive engineers from the Holden Museum of Transport agreed that the 1966 EH could have used an additional gear shift lever, but the 37 levers are unlikely due to space constraints. These engineers proposed that the lever may have been part of the experimental setup.
They also explained that if the original engineer had decided to go with the more practical option of fewer levers, the other levers would not have been left in the car, suggesting the anomaly is more than just an error.
The Australian-built Holden model from 1966 continues to fascinate automotive enthusiasts worldwide, and this unusual gear shift arrangement has further added to the mystique surrounding this iconic vehicle.
The Conclusion:
While only one shift of the EH’s manual gearbox is functioning as per specifications, the remaining levers, despite being non-functional, continue to spark curiosity among gear enthusiasts.
It appears that this anomaly could have arisen from experimentation or perhaps even a case of a practical joke. Regardless, the 1966 Holden EH remains one of the most unique and intriguing vehicles in the Australian automotive history.