What year did Dodge come out with push button transmission?
In brief, Dodge first offered a push-button automatic transmission in 1956. That year marked the public introduction of Dodge’s dashboard-mounted gear selector as part of Chrysler’s broader push-button shift initiative.
To understand this development, it helps to place it in the context of postwar American automotive design. Dodges of the era shared technology with other Chrysler products, as manufacturers pursued new ways to operate automatics—rapidly moving from floor shifters to more modern, button-driven controls. The push-button concept promised easier operation and a futuristic look, and Dodge’s adoption reflected a larger industry shift toward more streamlined cockpits in the 1950s.
Background: Push-Button Shifts in the 1950s
What follows is a concise overview of how the push-button transmission emerged and why Dodge is often linked to its story. The technology began as part of Chrysler’s broader push-button control concept, then evolved into production on several models during the mid-to-late 1950s. Availability varied by model and year, with Dodge models sharing in the rollout alongside other Chrysler brands.
Before listing the milestones, note that the precise timing and model-by-model availability varied. The items below summarize the general arc of development and Dodge’s role within it.
- The push-button approach originated within Chrysler’s engineering efforts in the early 1950s, aiming to replace or supplement traditional shifters with a dashboard control system.
- The early two-speed automatic family (often associated with PowerFlite) and its successors were designed to work with dashboard push-button selectors during the mid- to late-1950s.
- Advertisers and owners highlighted the futuristic look and ease of use of the push-button setup, which became a notable feature on several Chrysler products, including Dodge models, through the decade.
- As the 1950s progressed, the technology evolved toward more advanced three-speed designs and refined dash layouts, with push-button controls remaining an option on some cars before waning in popularity as other shift methods emerged.
In short, the mid-1950s marked the era when Dodge—alongside its Chrysler siblings—began offering dash-mounted push-button gear selection, a trend that reflected the era’s experimental design language and evolving automatic transmissions.
Dodge-Specific Rollout: Models and Years
- 1956: Push-button transmission appears on select Dodge models as part of Chrysler’s dash-shift rollout.
- Late 1950s: Availability expands to additional Dodge lines, though not every model carried the option in every market or year.
- Early 1960s: The push-button option becomes less common as new transmission designs and shift systems take hold and styling evolves.
The above timeline reflects a pattern seen across Dodge and other Chrysler brands: the push-button system arrived in the mid- to late-1950s, was featured on certain models, and gradually receded as automotive controls evolved. Exact year-by-year availability varied by model, market, and production run.
Legacy and Context
Today, Dodge’s push-button transmissions are regarded as a hallmark of 1950s automotive experimentation—part of a broader historical trend toward more futuristic interiors. Enthusiasts and historians study these systems to understand how dashboard design and driver interaction have evolved over time, from experimental buttons to modern electronic gear selectors.
Summary
The push-button transmission debuted in Dodge vehicles around 1956, aligning with Chrysler’s broader push-button initiative of the era. While the feature appeared on certain models and varied by year, it symbolized a fleeting mid-century trend that combined technological ambition with distinctive interior styling. Today, it stands as a notable chapter in the history of automotive design.
