At first glance, the driver’s footwell in this photograph may look confusing, especially to anyone who has only driven modern vehicles. Most cars today have either two pedals in automatic models or three in manual transmissions. However, this older setup features something that many younger drivers may never have encountered: a fourth pedal.

The extra pedal is most likely the foot-operated parking brake, a feature commonly found in many older American cars. Instead of pulling a handbrake lever between the front seats, drivers pressed a separate pedal with their left foot to engage the parking brake. This kept the brake firmly applied while the vehicle was parked.

The other three pedals had familiar functions. In a manual transmission car, the clutch pedal was used to disconnect the engine from the transmission when changing gears. The brake pedal slowed or stopped the vehicle, while the accelerator controlled engine power and speed. Each pedal had an important role in operating the car safely.

Many older vehicles also had a separate release handle or lever underneath the dashboard. After pressing the parking brake pedal, drivers could pull the release mechanism to disengage it. This arrangement became a familiar feature in generations of American vehicles, although its design varied between manufacturers and models.

Today, electronic parking brakes and modern center-console controls have replaced many of these older mechanical systems. For people who grew up driving cars with foot-operated parking brakes, this photograph may bring back memories of a very different driving experience. But for younger generations, it might look like a complete mystery. Did you ever drive a car with four pedals?