DG250 automatic transmission

[royvaldez]

Where all of the DG250 the same? Did the 1955 President use a different series of DG250 automatic. I have a really nice one and what is it worth?

[Jerry Forrester]

I think the '55 Pres. had the DG250M. I have no clue as to what the 'M' stands for.
Here's some good info about it.

http://www.studebaker-info.org/text3/dg250.txt

[Tom Bredehoft]

For reasons known but to God, the M seems to indicate first gear start.

To the best of my (limited) knowledge all DG250s used in Studebakers were M's.

Its a great transmission, the one in my '55 is handling the 289 4V very well.

[Jim B PEI]

In another thread besides this one, it was also mentioned that the M stood for first gear start. There were 150/150M, 200/200M, and 250M. I have never been in a Studebaker with Automatic Drive 1950-1954 6 and Commander 6/V8 so I don't know if the small 6 engines 50-54 had first gear start or not. I assume the Commander/V8 50-54 were all second gear start. From the 55-58 Chassis Part Catalog page 277, The 150 was used behind the small 6, and in 1955 only, and partway into production, it became a 150M. The 200 was used behind 224 V8 (and Commander 6 and 232 in prior years, I think) before a certain serial number in 1955, then it became a 200M behind the 224. The 200M was also still later onl in production used behind the 185 bigger 6--so a 185 six in 1955 could have had a 150, 150M, or a 200M, depending on the production date. The 250M (no 250 model made) was used exclusively behind the 259.

[royvaldez]

I looked at my DG250 and it has marked on it DG250M. I guess I have the good one. What is it worth?

[studegary]

It used to be common to install the 1955 DG250M behind the earlier V8s. I did it to my own 1953 Commander Starliner. It looks the same, but makes a nicer driving car. In nine years, I had no problem with it. I did change the transmission fluid every year. To the best of my knowledge, talking with subsequent owners of the car, the transmission is doing fine.

To answer your what is it worth question is difficult. If I needed one, I would probably pay $500.

[royvaldez]

Gary, That's what I figured. I may keep it for a 1950 Commander that i have for restoration. I am building a 1950 Starlight Commander and a 1950 Bus. Coupe Commander.