The Tucker '48

Thousands, maybe millions, of people are aware now of the Tucker Torpedo "48", one of the rarest collector cars, since the story of Preston Tucker was told in the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

True classic car fans have always known about this car though, called "ahead of its time" by many and now highly sought-after by collectors. Only 51 Tuckers were built - including the "Tin Goose" prototype - and the fact that 48 of those cars still exist is testament to its popularity.

Preston Tucker began his short-lived company after gaining automotive sales experience at Studebaker, Dodge and elsewhere. He began in 1935 by building Indy racers through financing from Henry Ford, then built a high-speed military scout car in 1937.

In 1948, Tucker shook the automotive world by founding his own company to sell "The Most Completely New Car in Fifty Years." The car, a fastback, four-door sedan, utilized technological advances gained in World War II and was clearly ahead of its time in terms of styling.

Tucker made financial mistakes in founding his own business, however, that led to the demise of his new company. He moved too quickly in selling $15 million in stock to investors, and drew charges of "fast-sell" tactics and a probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tucker contended that Detroit feared him, and the major companies had conspired to put him out of business. While some evidence suggested that possibility, those charges were never proved. In 1949, Tucker and seven associates were tried for conspiracy and fraud, but were acquitted in 1950 after what the jury termed a farce proceeding.

By that time, public confidence in Tucker and his automobiles was lost. The company's holdings were auctioned off at 18 cents on the dollar and Tucker's dream was dead.

Preston Tucker himself tried to regroup after moving to Brazil, planning a two-seat sports car called the "Carioca." Tucker was never able to pursue that dream, however, dying in December, 1956 at the age of 53.

Today, the Tucker is a head-turner anytime it appears, although it is seen rarely. The 48 that are still around are kept close by their owners, and are not often put on the road. Today, the Tucker is truly a "show" car.

Tucker facts and figures

The Tucker had a 128-inch wheelbase for a long, 219-inch body, but was notably low for its time, standing just 60 inches high.

As revolutionary as the Tucker's styling was, the car was even more novel beneath the futuristic exterior. The car featured an all-independent suspension and a rear-mounted flat-six powerplant derived from a wartime helicopter unit.

The Tucker engine was an all-alloy motor that weighed only 320 pounds, but produced 166 horsepower and 372 pounds/feet of torque from 335 cubic inches.

The Tucker was the first car to utilize a fully sealed water-cooling system.

In addition to its standard headlights, the Tucker featured a central "cyclops-eye" headlight that turned side-to-side with the front wheels.

To even upholstery wear, the front and rear seats in the Tucker were interchangeable.

Despite its size and weight (4,200 pounds), the Tucker could go 0-60 in about 10 seconds, and had a top speed of at least 120 mph, all thanks to an estimated drag factor of 0.30 - good even by today's standards. Tests showed the Tucker to get about 20 miles per gallon.