OT computerless classic cars (was Re: Heathkit EC-1)

This sounds like the Morris 'Manumatic' that was fitted to some of their cars in the 1960s (I think). It was a part electrical, part mechanical system that automattically controlled the clutch _and engine speed_ when changing gear (shifting). There were synchroniser contacts in the clutch unit, a vacuum servo to operate the clutch release mechansism, and another servo that connected to the throttle linkage to control the engine speed. I have the shop manual (I would, right :-)) and it contains considerable detail as to how it works. Another strange transmission was the Renault Electroshift. This had a speed sensor which was connected to a relay box. That controlled an electromagnetic clutch (from what I can tell, this was not an electrical release for a conventional clutch), and a motor/solenoid assembly connected to the gear shift forks in the gearbox. I have the shop manual for that too, but it's a module-swapper guide with no details as to what goes on inside the units. I would love to obtain an old relay box so I could pull it apart and reverse-engineer it (for interest, of course). Finally, for strange transmissions, there's the 'Roverdrive', fitted to the Rover 105R. It consists of (starting at the engine) : A torque converter. A convetnional clutch. A 2 speed and reverse (I think) gearbox. An overdrive unit, which is controlled automatically by a speed sensor. As I'v ejust mentioned, automatics without a torque converter were built by Renault in the 1960s. I wonder what they've changed... That is surely the best use for politicians :-). It gives a whole new meaning to the term 'hot air engine'... -tony