TCGOB: CarGuy Horror Story

The Car Guy of Benchfield

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A Car Guy Horror Story

I'm sure you all know what this little number is.... the Lamborghini Countach. Lamborghinis are fairly unique in that all models have a fully synchronized reverse gear. Meaning, it is possible to put the shifter in reverse while moving forward. This is why Lamborghinis are equipped with a little throw-out lever that blocks reverse on the gated shifter. However, should the shifter still somehow be put in reverse while the car is moving forward, it causes no harm to the transmission unless the driver lets off the clutch. Below is a quote the 1987 second quarter issue of Automobile Quarterly from an article written by Trefor Thomas, (then) managing director of Lamborghini of North America that describes what happens when the clutch is released.

Warning! Car guys who have sensitive stomachs or are prone to fits of melancholy should NOT READ THIS!

"I am told- and thankfully do not speak from personal experience- that engaging reverse while traveling forward does not damage the transmission, as long as the driver's foot is not removed from the clutch. Should this happen, however, a rapid sequence of events begins with a short squeal from the rear tires accompanied by a strong forward jolt, a loud bang and the delicate sound of small bits of metal bouncing off the road behind the car. According to my latest information, just such a disaster has taken place 12 times, each of them in the United States. --Trefor Thomas

Upon reading this, I drew myself into a fetal position and sucked my thumb for the next twelve hours. I'm okay now, although I sometimes wake in the middle of the night hearing those words. I'm thinking about starting a support group if anyone's interested.

2001 Car Guy of Benchfield

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	The Car Guy of Benchfield Home + TCGOB NASCAR! + Photo Garage + Links + Mad Mad Automotive World + Driving Songs + Humor Pages + Reader's Rides+ All About TCGOB + Contact Us A Car Guy Horror Story I'm sure you all know what this little number is.... the Lamborghini Countach. Lamborghinis are fairly unique in that all models have a fully synchronized reverse gear. Meaning, it is possible to put the shifter in reverse while moving forward. This is why Lamborghinis are equipped with a little throw-out lever that blocks reverse on the gated shifter. However, should the shifter still somehow be put in reverse while the car is moving forward, it causes no harm to the transmission unless the driver lets off the clutch. Below is a quote the 1987 second quarter issue of Automobile Quarterly from an article written by Trefor Thomas, (then) managing director of Lamborghini of North America that describes what happens when the clutch is released. Warning! Car guys who have sensitive stomachs or are prone to fits of melancholy should NOT READ THIS! "I am told- and thankfully do not speak from personal experience- that engaging reverse while traveling forward does not damage the transmission, as long as the driver's foot is not removed from the clutch. Should this happen, however, a rapid sequence of events begins with a short squeal from the rear tires accompanied by a strong forward jolt, a loud bang and the delicate sound of small bits of metal bouncing off the road behind the car. According to my latest information, just such a disaster has taken place 12 times, each of them in the United States. --Trefor Thomas Upon reading this, I drew myself into a fetal position and sucked my thumb for the next twelve hours. I'm okay now, although I sometimes wake in the middle of the night hearing those words. I'm thinking about starting a support group if anyone's interested. 2001 Car Guy of Benchfield Home + TCGOB NASCAR! + Photo Garage + Links + Mad Mad Automotive World + Driving Songs + Humor Pages + Reader's Rides+ All About TCGOB + Contact Us