That's what was on the 800. No epicyclic box could have been so crude.
The 800 had 4 - par for the course in those days. But to get a reasonably smooth shifting synchromesh auto, you need vast processing power, and twin layshafts/clutches like the DSG.
Only newish small auto I've driven was a BMW 1 Series, and that was fine. But I've driven some truly dreadful older ones. Usually with rubber band transmissions - or not enough gears.