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- 1915 Owen Magnetic Touring Car - The Owen Magnetic had no mechanical connection between its engine and driveshaft. Power was sent from the gasoline engine to the wheels through a magnetic clutch and an electric motor. The result, in effect, was an automatic transmission with no clutch pedal to push and no gears to shift. But the complex system was expensive, and the company fell into receivership in 1920.
- 1915
- Collections - Artifact
1915 Owen Magnetic Touring Car
The Owen Magnetic had no mechanical connection between its engine and driveshaft. Power was sent from the gasoline engine to the wheels through a magnetic clutch and an electric motor. The result, in effect, was an automatic transmission with no clutch pedal to push and no gears to shift. But the complex system was expensive, and the company fell into receivership in 1920.