Do you remember push button ignitions? I do?

Question

But I can't remember what kind of car it was. Does anyone know?

No, I'm not talking about new cars. I am thinking about back in the sixty's. Maybe it was the Edsul(sp?) People always look at me like I have two heads when I bring this up. Surely someone remembers

snagelfritz, I do remember the large rubber button on the floor. hehe, wow, memorys

No, I'm talking about, it was on the dash, a bunch of buttons, p, r, n ,d

Yes, push button shifting

I'm sorry I think I stated my question wrong, it should have been push button transmission

Answer 1

I also remember push button shifting in my Studebaker.

The irony is that push button ignitions date back decades.

My first car (Austin Healy Sprite) had a "pull button" ignition


Originally Posted By divkat9: on AR15 forums
Well BMW was the first to reintroduce this idea. The reason they did it is because it would allow you to leave your key in your pocket and lock/unlock and start the car without taking your keys out of your pocket. (keyless start is an option, $300 if i recall, but push button ignition is standard across the board)
It allows people to enter and start their car without fumbling in their pockets for keys in a dark parking lot (I know they should have them out already) or when they're carrying something, etc.
It also allows the steering wheel to unlock when the start button is pushed instead of the dealer getting call for the 10th time because Mrs. X can't turn the car key (believe this happens more than you think)
I think they probably play it up a little too much but it is a nice feature to have in terms of security. as for security, the car will start and remain running as long as the fob is in proximity. If you have the key in your pocket and get carjacked, as soon as the guy drives away the car will shut down and not restart untill the fob is close.

Plus Also, I have had no less than 2 cars that developed frozen lock cylinders. I spend many hours of frustration on those. Push buttons are mechanically simpler.

Answer 2

Their were many. Most were in the 40's and older. My Brother had a 1948 Pontiac Silver-Streak (I think that it) and it had the push button. The key only turn on the ignition and the button would work whether the ignition was off/on.
I had a 1946 Ford F-100 this had a large rubber foot button on the floor board.

Answer 3

My 54 Chevy had a push button start the key was stop /off on run when in off nothing worked when on the radio an a few other acc worked an u could remove the key when in run u could start the engine
You can add this button to any car its just a matter of two wires an a push button

Answer 4

No, but I learned to drive in a 1953 five window GMC pickup that had the starter switch just to the right of the gas pedal on the floor. You stepped on it to start the truck.
Then in college I drove an old Valiant that had the transmission shift via push buttons on the dashboard.

There are pushbutton start cars out now. They use a FOB key

Answer 5

Plenty of cars had starter buttons on the dash. Ford had them into the late 40s, for instance. Some moved the button to under the gas pedal, then finally integrated with the key switch.

Answer 6

you talking about the starter button -- most all cars prior to 1947 had starter buttons -- also my 52 ford tractor (which i used this am) has a starter button. some of the early cars the starter button was on the floor and you used your feet. welcome to the age of social security.

Answer 7

1949-1951 Fords had push button starters.Or at least the ones I drove had them.They sure did turn over slow.

Answer 8

ummm many cars these days have push button ignitions.. off the top of my head umm nissan altima, acura RL, Lexus LS, Lexus GS, Lexus ES, Lexus SUVs, Lexus SC, Mercedes Benz E class, Mercedes Benz S class, Mercedes Benz, G class, BMW 5 Series, M5, 7series, M6, Land Rover LR3, Honda S2000 i dunno there's a lot more.. thats all i can think of off the top of my head..

Answer 9

62 chrysler newport