side view of early indirect drive transaxle
Transaxle
The Aurelia’s rear-mounted transmission was combined with the clutch and inboard drum brakes, lessening unsprung weight for even weight distribution for the overall car.
Two types of transaxles were used - the earlier cars had the smaller one, with indirect drive and access only from the front for service (shown above). While designed originally for the 56hp berlina, it was used throughout the lineup until 1954, up to the 4th s. B20. It had a small straight cut 1st gear, which could be damaged with abuse. It was replaced in the 5th/6th s. B20 and B24 with a "split seam" transaxle, significantly larger and more robust, which was used in the Flaminia as well, the only change being the addition of synchro in first gear.
Two types of transaxles were used - the earlier cars had the smaller one, with indirect drive and access only from the front for service (shown above). While designed originally for the 56hp berlina, it was used throughout the lineup until 1954, up to the 4th s. B20. It had a small straight cut 1st gear, which could be damaged with abuse. It was replaced in the 5th/6th s. B20 and B24 with a "split seam" transaxle, significantly larger and more robust, which was used in the Flaminia as well, the only change being the addition of synchro in first gear.
plan view of early transaxle, accessed from behind the clutch
the later, split seam transaxle used in the s.5 and s.6 cars