The preselector manual gearbox is a perfect example. In the 1930s, it was one of the coolest things going in mass-produced automobiles—until something better came along.

Gear shifters are some of the coolest accessories in cars. With this in mind, ... If you thought the Cord preselector was funky, hold on for Hurst's Lightning Rods.

The four-speed Bendix preselector ­gearbox is extremely easy to use. Introduced in the early 1930s, on the Hudson and Terraplane, it was called the Electric Hand. Fourth gear is an overdrive.