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1948 Tucker 48 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 70052026013 Engine Num: 1036 |
| Sold for $577,500 at 2006 RM Auctions. Sold for $1,017,500 at 2008 RM Auctions. | |||
Though only 51 examples were ever produced, the work of Preston Tucker has firmly cemented itself in history and a legacy that resounds with automotive enthusiasts from all corners of the world. After the close of the Second World War, Tucker began work on a new breed of automobiles that would become and engineering marvel and a masterpiece of design.
The work was done in a Dodge aircraft engine plant located in Chicago, which Tucker had purchased. Two clay mockups were created, both identical in mechanical dimensions but varying in style. A final version was crafted from the best of both clay models. The final version was then made into a metal prototype which was dubbed the 'Tin Goose'. It was first shown to the public on June 19th, 1947.
Though the design was moving along steadily, the engine was plagued with problems. Its shortcoming were its excess noise, lack of power, and requiring multiple batteries in order to start. A 6 ALV 335 Franklin helicopter engine was used as a replacement. The engine was modified to utilize liquid cooling and the adaptation of a Cord 810 transmission. When the process was complete, the engine produced 166 horsepower and 372 foot-pounds of torque.
The Tucker was a model of safety. The interior cockpit was given padded dashboard and carried instrumentation that was grouped around the steering wheel. This meant that the protruding buttons and gauges would not cause damage to its occupants during an accident. The center-mounted headlight moved with the steering wheel providing light in the direction the vehicle would be traveling.
The front and rear seats could be interchanged which aided in the reduction of wear.
Soon after the Tucker automobiles began rolling off the assembly line in spring of 1948, the Securities and exchange Commission began investigating the allegations of mail fraud and other violations. The negative publicity sent stock plummeting and the facility was forced to close. Tucker assemble a skeleton crew and were able to continue production for a few more months, lasting until March of 1949, at which time the company fell into receivership and its assets were seized.
The Moss green colored Tucker Torpedo was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction held in Monterey, CA where it was expected to sell between $700,000-$900,000. It carries chassis number 1038 and was completed on October 25th, 1948. It was constructed without a transmission. Later, a Cord transmission was installed.
Since its assembly the car was given a comprehensive professional restoration. The car had traveled only 3100 miles since new. It was equipped from the factory with an AM radio and factory luggage.
At auction the vehicle was sold, fetching $577,500.
In 2008, this 1948 Tucker Sedan was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $600,000. An astonishing high bid of $1,017,500, including buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. This bid was well above the estimated value, but with only 51 examples ever created, that was the price needed to own this car. Needless to say, the lot was sold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1034 |
| Sold for $1,320,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
The Tucker had many advanced ideas that were geared towards safety; it has a low profile roof (five feet above the pavement), and the floor is only nine inches above it. It has aircraft style doors for aerodynamics and ease of entry. It also has a non-shattering, pop-out windshield, padded dash and doors, a 'crash compartment' under the cowling at the front passenger seat area, into which the front passengers could duck for safety in the event of an accident. The car is powered by a 334.1-cubic inch, 6-cylinder, horizontally opposed, Franklin helicopter engine, developing 166 horsepower, located in the rear. The engine was fitted so it could be removed in a matter of minutes in order for it to be serviced by the dealer and a loaner engine would be installed so it could be driven while your engine was being worked on. This 4,235-pound car is capable of 109 mph and gets 24 miles to a gallon of gasoline.
 |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis |
In place of the moving front fenders, Tucker installed a third headlight that turned wîth the §teering wheel. The 'Cyclops Eye' headlight was just one of the several safety features that were placed in the tucker. The dash area was padded, the windshields could be popped out, and all controls were grouped in front of the driver. The area ahead of the front seat, called the Safety Chamber, was a large carpeted box that driver and front seat occupants could drop into if a crash was imminent. Tucker had considered safety belts, but they were abandoned because designers felt that they might imply his car was unsafe. The disc brakes planned for the car were abandoned because of cost, but the car retained all-independent suspension and tubular shocks. Tough not built wîth uni-body construction like Hudson, the Tucker had a step down passenger compartment, which gave the car a very low center of gravity. This, in turn, allowed the 4200-pound car to handle surprisingly well.
Collection of Debbie HullSource - SDAM
 |  |  | Convertible |
The work done to this car has been more of a completion project rather than a restoration project. The engine, transmission, frame, suspension, breaks, and many other components/parts are as new with zero original miles. Tuckers were originally outfitted with poorly designed Torsilastic (rubber bonded to metal) suspension. Due to this, many Tuckers are now outfitted with other suspension systems.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1047 |
This was one of the last Tuckers built - number 47 (chassis number 1047).
What makes it truly impressive, however, is its originality. When the Gilmore Museum acquired this Tucker in 1983 it showed only 12 miles on the odometer. Today, it shows only 52 miles and remains exactly as it left the Tucker factory - except for the patina of 64 years. In fact, it is riding on three of its original tires.
Interestingly, the car's color was inspired by a favorite dress owned by Ms. Preston Tucker.
The Tucker was easily distinguishable from any angle - unlike anything else in the marketplace. It was designed by Alex Tremulis and contained trademark features such as a padded dash and center headlamp that turns with the steering wheel, an electric-shift transmission, rear-mounted opposed six-cylinder engine and a rubber vulcanized 'Torsilatic' suspension.
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1017 |
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1007 |
The rocket-ship inspired styling was drafted by Alex Tremulis and featured aircraft-style doors, 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 that 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-vavle flat six engine produces 166 bhp and is matted 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
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis |
This 'Tucker' is the only running vehicle of three prop cars. It sits on a 1974 Ford LTD chassis. the engine and transmission were removed by Lucas Films prior to donating the car to the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The body and bumpers are fiberglass.
In the film, Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) is frustrated one day and drives a new Tucker (this car) off the assembly line onto the streets of Chicago where the Chicago police spot him speeding and give chase.
Tucker pulls over in front of a Chicago Police neighborhood station and is leaning on the front fender lighting a cigarette when the patrol car pulls up. Tucker says to the policemen : 'What took you so long?'
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis |
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2012
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis |
Ida's inspiration was his father, Joe, and his uncle, who scraped together enough money in 1947 to buy a Tucker dealership in Yonkers, New York.
Fast forward, 50 years later - Rob Ida is running a custom auto body shop and decides to build a modern Tucker. He was lucky enough to find an original not far away and after taking measurements, began construction. An estimated 10,000 man hours later, the car was completed, just prior to Joe Ida's passing.
The car is powered by a modern, twin turbocharged, four camshaft Cadillac V-8 that puts out enough horsepower to move this modern car down the road very quickly.
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1008 |
Like many Tuckers, this one has its own interesting history. It was won in VFW raffle by Rudy Schroeder in September of 1949 - but he sold it when he couldn't get the car insured! Recently, Mr. Schroeder was reunited with his former Tucker.
Power in the Tucker automobile was supplied by a horizontally opposed six-cylinder motor that produces 166 horsepower. This car's original engine was replaced by the car's second owner with a factory crate engine.
This car was owned by the Imperial Palace Collection from 1981 to 1999 when it was acquired by the current owners. The car was restored by the Imperial Palace Collection.
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1033 |
This Tucker was sold at the Tucker factory auction in 1950 as part of the bankruptcy auction. It went through several owners, spending much of its life in storage until acquired by the current owners, who returned it to its as-original condition.
One of the unique features of this car is its unaltered original suspension - the rubber vulcanized 'Torsilatic' suspension. Other unique Tucker features are the electric-shift transmission, rear-mounted opposed six-cylinder engine and the center headlamp that turns with the steering wheel.
This Tucker, chassis number 1033, was the 33rd Tucker built. It was built on September 30th of 1948.
 |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1013 |
Almost from the beginning Tucker was in the news, thanks to the radically different design of his new car (by Alex Tremulis) as well as his method of financing the new company.
The Tucker certainly stood out from the crowd. Both its exterior and interior design, as well as its power plant, were unique to the automotive industry.
The Swigart Museum, which owns this Tucker, also owns the original prototype, nicknamed 'The Tin Goose.'
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Alex Tremulis Chassis Num: 1015 |
Like all Tuckers, it features an air-cooled, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder motor that displaced 334.1 cubic-inches and developed 155 horsepower.
This car was formerly owned by a prominent automotive museum before being acquired by the current owner. A complete restoration was recently completed. The car is painted in its original color, Moss Green.
This is one of the Tuckers that appeared in the 1988 motion picture Tucker : The Man and His Dream.
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| Similar Automakers | |
| Crosley | DeSoto |
| Edsel | Hudson |
| Imperial | Kaiser |
| LaSalle | Nash |
| Oakland | Willys |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1948 |
| Cadillac Series 62 |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1948 |
| Chrysler Town and Country ($2,450-$3,415) |
| Chrysler Windsor ($1,900-$2,885) |
Average Auction Sale: $837,168 |
| Tucker: 1941-1950 |
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| Other models by Tucker |
