Introduced in 1955, the 259 originally came in three horsepower variations; 162Hp, 175HP and 185HP. The smallest version came in the Commander model, while the higher two engines came in the President model.

The 1956 versions came in 170 HP, 185 HP and 195 HP models.

The 1957 versions came in 180 HP, and 195 HP models, which continued through Studebaker's demise.