1964 SDV on BAT

[jwwseville60]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-cadillac-series-62/

This car is listed as being built on the fourth week of Feb 1964, yet it still has the older Hydramatic 4-speed. I thought by this time GM had plenty of T400s for Caddies, but series 62 strippers had the 4-speed.

https://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/enginesandtransmissions

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

In the 1964 model year, the all new Turbo Hydramatic was installed in the DeVille, Sixty Special and Eldorado models only while the older (4-speed) Hydramatic was retained in the Series 62 and Series 75.

In 1965, the THM was installed in all models including the carryover Series 75. 

[jwwseville60]

It amazes me that GM carried on with the reliable but hard shifting Hydramatic in 1964 for the lower series 62 models. A cost saving measure or T400m availability issue?
Anyone know?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

In its current condition I see this going for 11-13k.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

It amazes me that GM carried on with the reliable but hard shifting Hydramatic in 1964 for the lower series 62 models. A cost saving measure or T400m availability issue?
Anyone know?

Two guesses:

A marketing choice to induce buyers to move up to one of the more deluxe models. 

Limit potential warranty claims should teething problems develop in the field since it was all-new gearbox.   

Of the nine Hydramatic Cadillacs I've owned (including two I have now), all of them have shifted seamlessly. 

[Big Fins]

An 1/8th of a turn on the TV rod at the adjustment trunion can make a world of difference with the HM. Initial setting by the book gets it operating correctly. Lots of driving and tweaking makes them shift as smooth as a THM.

[jwwseville60]

Mystery solved.
Thanks everyone!