Chrysler licensed the Simpson gearset used in TorqueFlite from whom?

Chrysler licensed the Simpson gearset used in TorqueFlite from Howard Simpson.

The Simpson gearset uses two planetary gearsets connected through a shared sun gear. That arrangement provided three forward speeds in a relatively compact and economical automatic transmission, helping make it practical for mass-produced cars.

Chrysler licensed Simpson’s design in 1955 for its new three-speed TorqueFlite, which entered production in 1956. The transmission combined the planetary gearset with a torque converter, allowing smooth automatic starts and shifts. The name “TorqueFlite” is therefore associated with the complete transmission, while “Simpson gearset” identifies its internal gearing arrangement.

Howard Simpson was an automotive engineer and inventor who patented numerous planetary-gear arrangements. Other major manufacturers also used versions of his work: Ford licensed the three-speed design in 1953, and General Motors later used a related arrangement in Turbo-Hydramatic transmissions. A common mix-up is to credit Chrysler itself with inventing the gearset; Chrysler adopted and licensed Simpson’s design rather than originating it.