The GE model Dictator was introduced sometime in September of 1927 and remained in production until October of 1928 (there would be no Dictator’s assembled for the next six months). Several mechanical improvements were introduced at the start of GE production. The front axle was redesigned which again allowed for the use of wooden spoke wheels (disc and wire were optional). The braking system was redesigned and a fuel pump replaced the vacuum tank.
The early Dictator’s were referred to as “First” design models, and their bodies were nearly identical to the EU Dictator’s. Over time Studebaker was gradually adding full crowned fenders, new smooth two-bar bumpers, and a new body trapezoidal belt line treatments, similar to the Commanders and Presidents. These running changes and were not implemented at the same time on on all body styles. These modified car are referred to as “Second” design. This makes today’s identification of these early GE models very difficult, but they are generally all referred to as 1928 models. The “Third” design models started with Studebaker’s 1928 mid-year face lift (August of 1928) of all the lines, and at this time Fafnir ball bearings were added to spring shackles ( Dictator’s, one year only). Presidents, Commander’s, and Erskin’s acquired new model designations, but the Dictator’s remained as the GE. However most reference the “Third” design as 1929 models. The following indicators help in identification of the varies GE versions.
First design car resemble the 1927 EU with embossed crown fenders and fluted two-bar bumpers.
Second design car have full crown fenders, smooth bumpers, and a different belt line panel.
Third design cars have “polo cap” visor, a new flatter radiator shell, and Fafnir ball bearing shackles. It is also at this time that the “Winged” motif radiator cap replaced the Atalanta cap. The winged motif, was also carried over on the top of the headlights and cowl lights. The “Third” design car also have an emblem bar between the headlights, the early cars carried an “S”, while the later car had a “6”. Even though we know that all the “Third” design cars were actually assembled in 1928, it is believed that most were registered in 1929, thus many have come to call these “Third” design cars 1929 models.
| 1928 – 1929 Model GE Dictator | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Doors | Passenger | Price |
| Business Coupe | 2 | 2 | $1,265.00 |
| Club Sedan * | 2 | 5 | $1,185.00 |
| Royal Coupe | 2 | 4 | $1,395.00 |
| Royal Sedan | 4 | 5 | $1,395.00 |
| Sedan | 4 | 5 | $1,265.00 |
| Touring | 4 | 5 | $1,265.00 |
| Touring | 4 | 7 | $1,325.00 |
| Royal Victoria | 2 | 4 | $1,345.00 |
| Cabriolet * | 2 | 4 | $1,395.00 |
| Victoria Sedan * | 4 | 5 | $1,345.00 |
| * Models added in 1929 All the data above comes from TCCD (The Classic Car Database) |
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The GE Dictator started production in October of 1927 and finished it’s run October of 1928, although new models would not come until May of 1929. Studebaker assigned 50,000 serial numbers to this model, but TCCD places total Dictator production at 48,339. In addition to the models listed above SCAC listed the following:
The club sedan listed above did not seem to appear until the 1928 mid-year face lift and the “Victoria Sedan” is most likely the 1930 Regal Sedan.
The second generation 1929 Studebaker sales brochure listed:
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