The first car to feature a six-speed transmission was the 1932 Auburn, which used a dual-ratio rear axle to provide six forward speeds. According to the report, this transmission was actually a three-speed, but it functioned like a six-speed by adding a selectable high and low range using a vacuum-actuated clutch to engage or disengage a planetary gear set inside the rear differential.
The driver could switch between the two ranges by moving a lever on the steering wheel at speeds under 40 mph. This early implementation of a six-speed transmission was a notable innovation in the automotive industry.
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However, the first street-going automobile to feature six individual forward gears is believed to be the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. With only 18 units produced, this car was barely street-going, as it was homologated from the Tipo 33 race car.
Housed within its beautiful handmade clamshell body was a 2.0-liter V-8 making **220 horsepower**. The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale’s six-speed transmission was a significant development in the history of manual transmissions.
When it comes to the first supercar to have six cogs behind its crankshaft, the **1983 Porsche 959** claims that title. However, it has a slightly odd way of going about it, with the first forward gear being the G gear, which stands for Gëlande — off-road.
This gear was meant for maximum low-speed torque, as one often needs in off-road scenarios, and Porsche dubbed the second gear “first” to pass some countries’ noise regulations. Only **292** road-going 959s were built.
In terms of which car was the first to have a six-speed transmission, it’s notable that Auburn claims the title, even if it technically was six ratios and not six individual gears. Thirty years after that, Alfa Romeo made it six gears.
Then, 20 years after that, Porsche’s first supercar was renowned for having six of its own — even if it wasn’t technically marketed as such. The development of six-speed transmissions has been a gradual process, with various manufacturers contributing to its evolution over the years.
The current **Mustang Dark Horse** and **Acura Integra Type S** are examples of modern cars that feature six-speed manual transmissions. These transmissions are highly regarded for their smooth shifting and engagement factor.
According to a review, the six-speed manual transmission in the **Ford Mustang Dark Horse** is great to operate, as is the six-speed manual that’s exclusive to the **Acura Integra Type S** and its **Honda Civic Type R** sibling.
In the **1980s** and **1990s**, the increasing prevalence of six forward gears in enthusiast rides really took off. This was a time of significant innovation in the automotive industry, with various manufacturers experimenting with different transmission technologies.
Today, six-speed manual transmissions are still highly prized by driving enthusiasts, who appreciate the control and engagement they provide. Whether it’s to make the most of an engine’s powerband or simply for the joy of shifting gears, six-speed transmissions continue to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The history of six-speed transmissions is a fascinating story that involves the contributions of various manufacturers over the years. From the early innovations of Auburn to the modern implementations in cars like the **Mustang Dark Horse** and **Acura Integra Type S**, the development of six-speed transmissions has been a gradual process that has shaped the automotive industry into what it is today.