STUDE Push Button Transmission???

[Commander Eddie]

I was watching the Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auto auctions this past week and on one of them they were talking about the Chrysler Torque Flight push button transmission on one of the cars. The commentator stated that in the 50s several car companies had experimented with this idea. He mentioned several including "Studebaker". Now, I know that Packard had an electronic push button shifter available on some of the mid-fifties models but have never heard of a Studebaker similarly equipped.
Anyone on this forum know of such a thing?

[8E45E]

I have never seen a push-button shift automatic on a Studebaker, either.

Craig

[RadioRoy]

Have you ever known an auctioneer to distort information?

[Roscomacaw]

Ramblers used such to some degree. If, as you indicate, the commentator DID SAY "experimented" there MIGHT be a grain of truth to it. I'm not saying I know this, but if it was experimental, that might be a possibility.

[raprice]

No, Studebaker never utilized push button automatic trans. Yes, Rambler did, along with Chrysler and Packard. I believe that early Edsels also had them too.
Rog

[skyway]

Yup, the old Rambler/Studebaker confusion.
Late 50's Ramblers had a 4 square quadrant sort of a push button arrangement.

[8E45E]

No, Studebaker never utilized push button automatic trans. Yes, Rambler did, along with Chrysler and Packard. I believe that early Edsels also had them too.
Rog

So did Mercury.



Craig

[61LaRk4dr]

I believe Plymouth did as well....

[8E45E]

I believe Plymouth did as well....

ALL Chrysler products with automatics did in those years, including trucks!

Craig

[8E45E]

I believe that early Edsels also had them too.

Only on 1958 Edsels.

And then I believe the pushbutton shift was an additional option over & above the automatic transmission option on Pacer and Ranger models.



Craig

[candbstudebakers]

I had a 60 champ truck with a push button auto trans but then again it also had a 413 Chrysler engine and Chrysler 330 rear end from the same car.

[raprice]

So did Mercury.



Craig

Wow, I didn't know that Mercury had a push button trans. Go figure.
Rog

[bob40]

I like the High Performance Range/Cruising Range option.

[paintim613]

Only on 1958 Edsels.

And then I believe the pushbutton shift was an additional option over & above the automatic transmission option on Pacer and Ranger models.



Craig

That dash and early 60's Chrysler dashes are my favorites. Obviously, I like over the top ones.

[bhapner]

Yep, Mercury had pushbuttns too. Like the Edsel, they were located in th steering wheel hub. Friend of mine had a Turnpike Cruiser so equipped.