Glossary / General

three on the tree

15 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

'Three on the tree' is a way to describe a type of gear shifter in older cars where you change gears using a stick on the steering column instead of on the floor.

Technical Definition

'Three on the tree' refers to a three-speed manual transmission that is mounted on the steering column, allowing the driver to shift gears using a lever located there instead of on the floor.

Hear It Discussed

"Yeah, and it probably had a three on the column Three on the tree. Yeah"
Classic Rides - The Price? In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show 10:29

"You don't even know what a three on the tree. Because I think a lot of people don't know that back in the 60s, they would put the shifter over here behind the steering wheel. So it was a lever that..."
Is The All New 2027 Toyota Highlander REALLY Going To Sell? | Ep. 324 TFL Car Chat 05:40

"[369.6s] I learned to drive in a 63 Comet station wagon with three on the tree but as soon as [376.5s] I turned 16 my daddy bought me a 289 four speed Mustang."
Car Pro Radio Show May 23 26 Hour 2 CarPro Radio Show 06:12

Cars Known For This

Chevrolet Corvette Porsche 911 Toyota Land Cruiser Ford Mustang Ford Explorer Dodge Neon