Man there's some crazy stuff on Craigslist right now. Here's a 1973 Cutlass that they say came three on the tree, but converted to a 3 speed floorshift but they also have a four speed for it. Was this factory or someone's home creation?

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...857348457.html

Cash only. 1973 Oldsmobile SS is a 2-door classic that needs work. It features swivel bucket seats. It was originally 3 on the tree that was converted to three on the floor. There is currently no transmission installed. It comes with original linkage, transmission, additional 3-speed trans, and 4-speed trans. There are additional tune-up parts and original shop manuals. Included are a set of snow tires on rims for the rear. The car hasn’t been driven in 23 years.

 

The last 3 speed column shift I recall seeing/hearing of....was a 1963 Olds 88. I think Cutlass started using 3 speed on the floor in 1964.

 

I have seen three on the tree inline 6 Cutlasses all the way through 76....they are rare though...

 

I stand corrected.

 

Though not an Olds, I saw a '73 or '74 Monte Carlo with the three on the tree over 4 1/2 decades ago while working at a gas station. So, it would not suprise me.

 

They still show the set up in the '75 assembly manual, bet they built lots of them!!!!

 

Three-on-the-tree was the base transmission in the Cutlass line through at least the 1975 model year. And for Ralph, the column shifted three speed manual was the base trans in the Delta 88 through the 1971 model year. I bet you can count the number of those built on your thumbs.

 

I have seen a 70 Delta conv with three on the tree. at a few nats.

Don W