Art Carr: A Legend in Automatic Transmissions
Honoring a Transmission Pioneer
Art Carr was more than a builder—he was a true innovator. For decades, his name was synonymous with high-performance automatic transmissions, earning him a place among the Original 100 inductees in the Hot Rod Hall of Fame
From Model A to Dragstrip Legend
Art’s automotive passion started early—he bought a Model A as a pre-teen and began wrenching in his mother’s garage. He would later race everything from top-fuel dragsters to boats, and proudly carried one of the earliest Top Fuel licenses
Innovative Engineering & Iconic Builds
Your Invented the Nifty Shifter, a safer push-button column shifter that prevented accidental reverse.
Built transmissions for Hollywood, including vehicles in Batman, James Bond, and Days of Thunder
Featured on the success TV series Overhaulin’ through California Performance Transmission
A Legacy That Resonates
After more than 70 years of building, racing, and teaching, Art continued working well into his 90s—passing peacefully in September 2023.
His spirit lives on at CPT II, where his innovations and entrepreneurial drive remain embedded in every component we produce.
Achievements & Recognitions
Hot Rod Hall of Fame
(Original 100 inductee)
Early Top Fuel drag racing license
Patented Nifty Shifter
Featured builder on Overhaulin’ series
Built transmissions for major films
Continuing the Art Carr Vision
With the foundation Art built, Juan Jimenez and the CPT II crew continue delivering top-tier transmission solutions—honoring Art’s exacting standards for quality, innovation, and performance.