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Michigan native Preston Tucker had radical and futuristic ideas for what a postwar car should entail. His plan defied convention and had an unusual design for a full-size sedan. The engine was to be placed in the back, being horizontally opposed. The flat-six power plant had plenty of torque and lots of acceleration. It could also be removed in minutes for easy servicing plus had the benefit of offering excellent fuel economy.
The rocket-ship-inspired styling was drafted by Alex Tremulis and featured aircraft-style doors, a pop-out windshield, swiveling center headlight, seat belts as standard equipment, and a padded 'safety chamber.' This 'Car of Tomorrow' was priced at $2,450 which was less than Cadillac's popular Model 62 sedan by about $500. The orders poured in, but the Torpedo never reached true production. Indicted for investment irregularities, Tucker was acquitted of all charges, but his company soon failed. The plant closed in mid-1948 after only thirty-seven pilot models had been completed. Loyal workers assembled another fourteen cars.
This example is Tucker No. 1007 which was initially purchased from the factory as a demonstrator. In 1985, it was acquired by a Japanese businessman and shipped to Japan where it remained until the 1990s. It was later sold to a Texas oilman and then resold at a Barrett-Jackson auction to Robert E. and Margie Petersen, founders of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In 2002, it passed to its present owners. The car was originally painted green but is now painted 'Waltz Blue.' It has been restored to its original condition except for its wheel covers.
The 335 cubic-inch, 12-valve flat-six engine produces 166 bhp and is mated to a four-speed manual with Bendix vacuum-electric pre-select. The horizontally opposed, water-cooled engine was adapted from an air-cooled Franklin helicopter power plant.
Of the 51 radical fastback body Tuckers produced, 49 survive. The car is best remembered for its radical designs, forward-thinking, and safety features. Its center headlight turned with the front wheels, and there is a fully independent and four-wheel Torsion-lastic suspension.By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011
The rocket-ship-inspired styling was drafted by Alex Tremulis and featured aircraft-style doors, a pop-out windshield, swiveling center headlight, seat belts as standard equipment, and a padded 'safety chamber.' This 'Car of Tomorrow' was priced at $2,450 which was less than Cadillac's popular Model 62 sedan by about $500. The orders poured in, but the Torpedo never reached true production. Indicted for investment irregularities, Tucker was acquitted of all charges, but his company soon failed. The plant closed in mid-1948 after only thirty-seven pilot models had been completed. Loyal workers assembled another fourteen cars.
This example is Tucker No. 1007 which was initially purchased from the factory as a demonstrator. In 1985, it was acquired by a Japanese businessman and shipped to Japan where it remained until the 1990s. It was later sold to a Texas oilman and then resold at a Barrett-Jackson auction to Robert E. and Margie Petersen, founders of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In 2002, it passed to its present owners. The car was originally painted green but is now painted 'Waltz Blue.' It has been restored to its original condition except for its wheel covers.
The 335 cubic-inch, 12-valve flat-six engine produces 166 bhp and is mated to a four-speed manual with Bendix vacuum-electric pre-select. The horizontally opposed, water-cooled engine was adapted from an air-cooled Franklin helicopter power plant.
Of the 51 radical fastback body Tuckers produced, 49 survive. The car is best remembered for its radical designs, forward-thinking, and safety features. Its center headlight turned with the front wheels, and there is a fully independent and four-wheel Torsion-lastic suspension.By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1948 Tucker 48 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Tucker 48
(Data based on Model Year 1948 sales)
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1021 Sold for USD$1,870,000 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1034 Sold for USD$2,040,000 2020 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1948 TUCKER MODEL 48 SEDAN Chassis#: 1052 Sold for USD$990,000 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1028 Sold for USD$1,985,000 2019 Bonhams : Tupelo Auction | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1040 Sold for USD$1,600,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1046 Sold for USD$1,820,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1029 Sold for USD$1,792,500 2018 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale, Az. | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1044 Sold for USD$1,347,500 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1049 Sold for USD$1,518,720 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monaco | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1003 Sold for USD$2,035,000 2014 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1036 Sold for USD$1,567,500 2014 RM Auctions at Monterey | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1034 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2012 Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, Fl | |
1948 TUCKER TORPEDO Chassis#: 33550 Sold for USD$2,915,000 2012 Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#: 1010 Sold for USD$797,500 2011 The Scottsdale Auction - Gooding & Company | |
1948 Tucker 48 4Dr Sedan Chassis#: 1045 Sold for USD$1,127,500 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1948 Tucker Sedan Chassis#: 1038 Sold for USD$1,017,500 2008 Sports & Classics of Monterey by RM Auctions | |
1948 Tucker Torpedo Sold for USD$577,500 2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction | |
1948 Tucker Model 48 Chassis#: 1029 Sold for USD$461,500 2005 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia | |
1948 Tucker 48 Sold for USD$495,000 2004 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona | |
1948 Tucker 48 (Project Car) Sold for USD$31,350 2002 Michigan Fall Classic Car Auction - The Kughn Collection |
Tucker 48s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1948 Tucker 48's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1948 Tucker 48 | 2016 Auctions America : Fort Lauderdale | $850,000 | |||
1948 Tucker 48 | 1003 | 2013 RM Auctions Amelia Island | $1,475,000 | $1,500,000 | $1,900,000 |
1948 Tucker 48 | 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | $220,000 | |||
1947 TUCKER TORPEDO FOUR DOOR SEDAN | 2002 Kruse Auction Las Vegas, NV |
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