The letter E on the gearbox of old cars: here’s what it meant and what it was used for

speed low during transfers.

What has changed most is the way this function is indicated and managed.

Why the letter E disappeared from manual gearboxes
As automobiles evolved, the E gradually lost its usefulness as a separate designation.

Manual gearboxes first went to five and then to six speeds, while electronics, injection systems and engine management allowed for further optimisation of fuel consumption.

Modern cars have also introduced gear shift indicators and Eco modes , which can suggest when to shift up a gear or modify certain vehicle parameters to improve