History of the Custom Shift Knob

Authoritative History of the Custom Shift Knob

Few parts of a cool car are handled as much, or as often, as the shift knob.  While it’s a small component, the shift knob has long been a place where drivers add personality and attitude to their ride.  From simple factory balls, to glittering metalflake showpieces, the evolution of custom shift knobs mirrors the story of American car culture itself. 

Pre-History:  Before Chrome and Steel 

The archeological record is slim on artifactual evidence.  However, it is widely believed there was a desire to personalize a vehicle with a custom shift knob.  Research dating way back to the 1960’s has uncovered animations of prehistoric twin axle vehicles, fur-topped coupes, hollowed out and hewn transports, with shifters topped with smoothed granite, quartz or bone.  Unfortunately, this research was not continued after Hanna-Barbera cancelled funding seasons of The Flintstones. 

The Early Days:  Function Over Flash 

In the first decades of the 20th century, people lost sight of the importance of a nice shift knob.  Knobs were purely functional, made of plain hard rubber or bakelite, in dull colors.  A knob did what was asked of it but was low on pizazz. If there was a hot rod culture at the time, it would focus on speed and performance.  If a car shifted smoothly, the knob had done its job. 

The Rise Of Style:  Post War Kustom Kulture 

After WW II, returning servicemen brought mechanical skill home and sought outlets for individuality.  Hot rodding exploded in popularity.  Shift knobs became objects of expression.  Builders created entire automotive statements surrounding a cool shift knob.  Custom paint colors and custom body modifications were introduced, all inspired by the shift knob.  Life was great. 

The Metal Flake Era:  Life Was Even Greater 

The second half of the 20th century marked the golden age of custom shift knobs, and custom car aesthetics followed the trend.  Metalflake and candy colors in infinite combinations made their way out from the center console to car exteriors in customized visions never seen before.  But the shift knob maintained its respected place as the center of the universe. 

The Modern Era: Too Many Tiki Skulls? 

An aftermarket developed, and mass-produced shift knobs became widely available.  While this may have made shift knobs more accessible, it also led to generic products of low quality.  But hot rodders never lost their appreciation for a special hand-made custom shift knob.  In recent years there has been a strong return to traditional hot rod craftsmanship, and drivers, collectors and builders know that a great custom car starts with a great custom shift knob.  In a world of increasingly digital and automated cars, the shifter – and the knob on top of it – represents something mechanical, physical, and personal.  A well-chosen shift knob honors the hot rod tradition. 

At SpeedShifter Knobs, we’re proud to continue this tradition with handmade pieces created for real people driving real hot rods and classic cars.