Vintage Cars: First GM 4-speed ever built? trivia, gm divisions, collectible automobile

Question
QUESTION: First GM 4-speed ever built? full size was it 57?

ANSWER: Are you referring to automatic or manual?  The original Hydra-Matic, introduced in 1937, was a 4-speed.

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QUESTION: 4 speed manual in a full size prodution GM vehical excluding the corvette, Ive seen 1959 but was wondering if any earlier

Answer
In the April, 2005 issue of "Collectible Automobile," their cover story was a detailed story of the 1958 Chevrolet.  When discussing transmissions, they mentioned the standard 3-speed manual, overdrive, along with the Powerglide and Turboglide automatics.  No mention of a 4-speed manual, so I have to assume that no 4-speed was available before 1959.  I also have to assume that, if Chevy didn't offer it, then neither did any of the other GM divisions.